The book launch for "Beyond the Icon" took place on Saturday at the Homecoming Centre of the District Six Museum in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town. The new publication explores various facets of Nelson Mandela's life, including his desire for ordinariness despite his global stature. The choice of Cape Town for the launch holds historical significance, as Mandela delivered his first speech as a free man at the Cape Town City Hall. This event marked a key moment in South African history, occurring shortly after his release from 27 years of imprisonment. The District Six Museum, located in a historically significant area of Cape Town, provided a relevant backdrop for discussing Mandela's legacy and his personal aspirations beyond his public image.
Lessons in Humility and Service
"Beyond the Icon" outlines leadership lessons rooted in the South African philosophy of ubuntu, specifically targeting ordinary individuals who lead without formal positions of power. The book recounts instances illustrating Nelson Mandela's humility, such as his decision to queue to leave a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II aboard the royal yacht in 1995. On another occasion, Mandela asked his lawyer, Linda Zama, for an all-weather coat, gumboots, and an umbrella to be ready before morning. Mandela insisted on personally visiting a sports shop in central Durban to purchase boots, paying for his own shopping, including the coat, gumboots, and umbrella. Zama reflected on Mandela's desire for an ordinary life, stating, "I mean, what more can I say? There are lots and lots of things. This ordinary person, who just wanted to be ordinary." She added, "Here in my beloved country, we are losing a sense of community," and emphasized the importance of a "sense of community, regardless of age, of political divide."
Dr. Iqbal Survé recounted an incident where his name appeared on a list of approximately 100 business people and politicians, which was reportedly compiled by a suspected right-wing extremist. Dr. Survé had traveled to Paris with Amnesty International before relocating to Cape Town. He shared a conversation with Mandela during a car ride home from a Johannesburg hospital, where Mandela and Graça Machel were present. Dr. Survé's role involved preparing a group of medical professionals, not to attend to Mandela directly, but to be ready for potential security threats. "My role specifically was to have a group of medical professionals ready, not to look after Madiba," Dr. Survé stated, explaining the context of the risk: "That was not the point. But there was a real risk, that has happened later with Chris Hani, that there were some crazy people out there." He further elaborated, "So a group of us in different parts of the country that were doctors and other officials, our role was to be there in the event of something like that happening." Dr. Survé believed the main danger would have been if Mandela was exposed, adding, "But the real danger was if Madiba was on the balcony," and "I didn't think anything was going to happen inside the waiting room." Following this discussion, Mandela told Dr. Survé, "you've got your priorities right." Dr. Survé expressed concern about contemporary memory loss regarding national values, stating, "There is a memory loss in our country right now and people don't remember the good things or the good values or what has happened." He also noted, "So many of our struggle heroes and icons, who should really be acknowledged the way Linda has done, have not been, precisely because of the complexity of the politics today."
The Perilous Day of Release
Nelson Mandela walked out of prison on February 11, 1990, marking a key moment that also carried significant security concerns. Dr. Iqbal Survé was positioned at the Cape Town City Hall as the sole doctor from the Western Cape on standby for potential medical emergencies during the event. Dr. Survé elaborated on his role, stating, "My role specifically was to have a group of medical professionals ready, not to look after Madiba." He explained the broader security context, noting, "That was not the point. But there was a real risk, that has happened later with Chris Hani, that there were some crazy people out there." This risk later materialized when SACP general secretary Chris Hani was shot dead outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, in April 1993. Dr. Survé added, "So a group of us in different parts of the country that were doctors and other officials, our role was to be there in the event of something like that happening." He further assessed the primary danger of the day, indicating, "But the real danger was if Madiba was on the balcony." Dr. Survé believed the interior of the venue was safer, stating, "I didn't think anything was going to happen inside the waiting room." The intensity of the crowds on that day led to several incidents, including Rev. Jesse Jackson hurting his ankle after being lifted over a crowd. Additionally, a Reuters photographer from the UK fell down the steps inside the City Hall and was knocked unconscious amidst the commotion. Dr. Survé also reflected on broader national issues, stating, "There is a memory loss in our country right now and people don't remember the good things or the good values or what has happened." He noted, "So many of our struggle heroes and icons, who should really be acknowledged the way Linda has done, have not been, precisely because of the complexity of the politics today." Prior to these events, Dr. Iqbal Survé had chaired a hunger strike support committee in the Eastern Cape and established treatment centres for detainees.
Author's Background and Vision
Linda Zama authored "Beyond the Icon," a book detailing leadership lessons derived from her close working relationship with Nelson Mandela. Her involvement with Mandela began in the 1980s when she started assisting him with legal matters during his imprisonment. Following his release, Zama continued to support Mandela by helping to manage his initiatives for schools and clinics.
Zama, who grew up in Mandawe, south of Durban, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree. Reflecting on Mandela's character, Zama stated, "I mean, what more can I say? There are lots and lots of things. This ordinary person, who just wanted to be ordinary." She also expressed concerns about contemporary society, noting, "Here in my beloved country, we are losing a sense of community." Zama emphasized the importance of fostering a "sense of community, regardless of age, of political divide."
Reflections on Community and Legacy
Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Iqbal Survé disclosed that medical professionals were placed on standby across the country on the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, anticipating a potential assassination attempt. "My role specifically was to have a group of medical professionals ready, not to look after Madiba," Dr. Survé stated. He added, "That was not the point. But there was a real risk, that has happened later with Chris Hani, that there were some crazy people out there." Dr. Survé explained, "So a group of us in different parts of the country that were doctors and other officials, our role was to be there in the event of something like that happening." He believed, "But the real danger was if Madiba was on the balcony," but "I didn't think anything was going to happen inside the waiting room." Separately, a 40-year-old man was shot dead by police at a farm in De Hoop outside Robertson on Monday, following a 24-hour gun battle. A police officer sustained a shoulder wound during the incident.