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Howard Feldman

In one of the most irreverent and entertaining tweets I've come across, "Bra Suffocate" wrote: "UCT now has a Mandela School of Public Governance. named after Mandela now.I will call my room "Nelson Mandela Institute of romance, rest and relaxation." Then I will have an opening ceremony and cut ribbons and stuff. "[19659005] He added that he intended to invite Thuli Madonsela and Barack Obama to speak at the opening.

As if that were not enough, "Bra Suffocate" went on to explain that Mandela was also a lover: He drove into the bedroom before he led anywhere else (apparently), and that leadership begins in the bedroom.

A wave of entrepreneurial opportunities struck him, and he suggested opening the chapters of "the Nelson Mandela Institute of Romance, Rest and Relaxation". The possibilities seemed endless with him too, considering turning his kitchen into "Mandela Center for Food and Replenishment".

Twitter liked this, just like me, and my fingers and my mind were itching to get involved in the conversation. I had so many suggestions, I did not even know where to start. He spoke my language on so many levels. Until I realize that as a white male my wits might not be particularly well received in a thread that had no white male as contributors. I suspected that my presence would probably not be useful or my humor considered it all funny.

And unfortunately, I understood. Although I'm not sure I agree with me

So I stood on the sidelines and watched (and enjoyed) the wire from afar.

A few months ago, I interviewed the well-known South African author Nechama Brodie in my radio show. It was at the time when the Miss South Africa contest was taking place. I was incredibly confused about Miss World and Miss Universe and even the whole concept of these events. Although it was not the subject of the interview, I wondered aloud why beauty competitions were one more thing. It was at that moment that Nechama looked at me (she may have even waved her finger, but I do not remember for sure) and said, "You're not sure." Do not have any opinion on that. "

Unfortunately, I understand that. Although I'm not sure I agree with that.

I also understand that I may be horrified by the wave of attacks in various mosques in South Africa, my empathy must be expressed as such and my view on why I think this could happen. Similarly, the rise of anti-Semitism in South Africa is something that should concern all citizens of the country, but how is it communicated by those who do not suffer from the prejudice of Jewish hatred. , could evoke the opposite answer to what they wanted.

For years Nelson Mandela has been a safe and solid ground. South Africans across the racial and religious divide liked him and looked up at him. He was, and still is, an icon of reconciliation and hope and an example of what it means to lead with positivity and not with anger and hatred.

That does not mean that he was perfect. The death of his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has highlighted this. Since then, South Africans have been grappling with the idea that despite his status, Mandela remains distinctly human and that, even though he is worshiped and revered, those who l? surround pay a significant price. For me, this makes him all the more worthy of respect.

The Twitter conversation I was not part of, emphasized the fact that Mandela's memory is no longer a sacred cow. He emphasized the notion that we should not overestimate his memory by naming all that follows, and that we should try to see the lighter side of our obsession. At the same time, we should continue to honor it by accepting that it was flawed.

The conversation I was not part of also pointed out that although we believe that Mandela's memory belongs to all South Africans, some of us still have to pay attention to how we contribute to the conversation.

And unfortunately, I understood. – News24.com