Mandela Symbolizes 'What Africa Is All About': Diplomats on Anti-Apartheid Activist's Legacy

Nelson Mandela is a symbol that represents all the values and aspirations of the African nations, everything they are fighting for, including peace, mutually-beneficial partnerships and sovereignty, said Benson H.O. Ogutu, Kenya's ambassador to Russia, in an interview with Sputnik Africa.

"Of course, Mandela to us is symbolic of what Africa is all about. Africa means peace, Africa wants friends, but most importantly, Africa wants to be able to do their own activities of their own, to be sovereign," the diplomat said.

According to the ambassador, the most important achievement of any nation is its sovereignty, because only politically independent countries are able to defend their interests on the global stage and establish equal relations with other states. He noted that Mandela managed to bring sovereignty to his country and "that is what his legacy is all about."

Benson H. O. Ogutu, M.B.S., Ambassador of Kenya to Russia

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The ambassador emphasized that Mandela's legacy transcends national boundaries as it represents cultural and political value for the entire world. Often referred to as the "father of the nation," Mandela "was a global icon," he stressed, adding that the life and struggle of the first president of South Africa is "something that should be admired" globally.

"What he fought for, what he stood for [...] is something that should give people who are undergoing suffering the perseverance to continue because at the end there's hope. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and we have seen it through Mandela," he said.

Brigadier General Vuyisile Sibaca, defense attaché at the South African Embassy in Moscow, echoed the Kenyan diplomat's remarks, saying that Mandela's deeds on behalf of humanity "mean a lot" not only to his country, but to the world as a whole.

He recalled that the anti-apartheid fighter was imprisoned for 27 years, but continued to lead the struggle for liberation against all odds. According to Sibaca, the understanding that people all over the country are counting on him and waiting for him gave Mandela the perseverance to go on.

"For 27 years, he knew that his people were waiting for him. They were struggling. So he had to persevere and hold on until we achieved our freedom," Sibaca explained, reiterating: "So that kept him going inside and outside prison."

Brigadier General Vuyisile Sibaca, defense attaché at the South African Embassy in Russia, during the photo exhibition "The Life of Nelson Mandela in Photographs" at the Moscow House of Nationalities on July 18, 2023.

Speaking about Mandela's perseverance and commitment to free the nation from the apartheid regime, Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka, South Africa's ambassador to Moscow, said that from the very beginning, Mandela had a clear understanding of what he was up to, "he knew what he was getting involved in."

According to Maqetuka, Mandela's influence continues to be felt, particularly in the country's foreign policy, in its stance on certain issues of international relations, as well as in national policies.

"Madiba [Mandela] never had patience for people who cannot reconcile. And Madiba believed very strongly that all of the people of South Africa have to live together, not on the basis of their color," he said.

Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka, ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Russia, delivers a speech on the occasion of Mandela Day on July 18, 2023.

Maqetuka recalled Mandela's words that he "fought against white and black domination" to ensure equality, bring about a better life for oppressed people and provide equal opportunities for everyone. He stressed that Madiba "knew no color."

The South African ambassador emphasized that Mandela continues to inspire people across the globe "by his spirit and his resolve to do things," as well as by his ability to reconcile and forgive.

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The diplomats also shared their expectations for the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, stating that the gathering may strengthen the relationship between Russia and the continent. According to the Kenyan ambassador, Africans are expecting positive results from the meeting. He expressed his hope that "the spirit of international understanding" will prevail at the summit, and the nations will be able to enhance their cooperation so that it becomes tangible for people.