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In South Africa, Barack Obama delivered Tuesday, July 17, the traditional annual tribute speech to Nelson Mandela, in front of 15,000 people in Johannesburg. The first black president of the United States drew a rather dark picture of the current world, between withdrawal and fear of the other. Barack Obama has called for rekindling Nelson Mandela's legacy of tolerance and unity. South Africa is celebrating the centennial of birth of this global icon this year and its leaders – including President Cyril Ramaphosa – intend to capitalize on the event.
Sitting side by side with Barack Obama, often leaning towards him, Cyril Ramaphosa made only a brief speech. In a word, he underlined his past closeness to Nelson Mandela, who saw him as his dolphin: " While our nation is filled with renewed hope, I keep hearing Madiba's voice, just in my ear, who says to me: "I am sending you to serve the nation". My first speech to Parliament was inspired by Nelson Mandela. His spirit is with us today.
Nelson Mandela's centennial year is no doubt a boon for Cyril Ramaphosa, eager to join the footsteps of the icon to break with the Zuma years.
Yet, The legacy of the icon of the struggle against apartheid is increasingly criticized, especially by the youngest, frustrated by inequalities and poverty, and by the malfeasance of their leaders.
To bring them back to him less than a year of national elections, Cyril Ramaphosa likes to recall that he was knighted by Nelson Mandela himself and that he is able to revive his legacy.
■ Reportage ]: young people shared about Mandela's legacy
In downtown Johannesburg, Prince, 22, and his friends, are just coming out of college. For him, Nelson Mandela is simply THE national hero: " He is brave, intelligent and wise. From my point of view, his legacy is still relevant. He changed our lives. Before, the opinion of a man did not count. Today we have the opportunity to express ourselves and to make ourselves heard.
A little further, Sandile, also a student, has some reservations about the Nobel Peace Prize. " Politically, he says, he is still relevant. But not economically. We have completed the fight for freedom, and integration. But our struggle now is economic equality ! "
The economic inequality between blacks and whites is still striking today, as the debate on distribution of land, still owned 75% by whites. Mzwakhe was 18 years old when Mandela was elected, according to him: " Nelson Mandela was put there by the Liberals. He pleaded for peace so all South Africans love Mandela because he brought peace. But he made the choice to be a negotiator and so he could not get everything. For example, he gave us the right to vote. But what really changed the right to vote ? Did the right to vote fill our plates ? No.
Mzwakhe and the South African black conscience blame the Nobel Peace Prize for its secret negotiations with the apartheid regime
■ Barack Obama's tribute to Madiba ]
" Every generation has the ability to remake the world. Mandela said : "Youth is able, when it is exalted, to bring down the towers of oppression and raise the banner of hope." It's a good time to get excited. It's a good time to ignite.
And for those of us who are concerned about the legacy we celebrate today, about equality, dignity, democracy, solidarity, kindness … Those of us whose heart, in the absence of the body, remains young. We have a duty to help our youth succeed.
© RFI
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