21 June 2013 - Nelson Mandela is still alive

“While one of the greatest men of the 20th century fights for his life in hospital, we must not forget to celebrate his achievements and legacy. Most importantly however, we must never forget what Mandela lived for”.

I read the above comment in a report about Nelson Mandela’s illness and I was just appalled.

First of all Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is not well but he is still alive. There is no need to speak of him in past tense.

Second, Nelson Mandela is a 94 year old man, turning 95 on the 18^th of July. It is not unheard of for people his age to be hospitalised for one ailment or another.

Third, of the 27 years that he spent in prison, 18 were spent working in a limestone quarry on Robben Island with no personal protective clothing. Prolonged inhalation of limestone has been known to have negative effects on the respiratory system. while on Robben island, he also contracted tuberculosis which is believed to have permanently damaged his lungs. Hence his frequent battles with lung infections.

Allow this great man to be ill in peace.

I’ll sign of with one of the letters that he wrote Winnie while he was in incarcerated:

 26 October 1976

My dearest Winnie,

I have been fairly successful in putting on a mask behind which I have pined for the family, alone, never rushing for the post when it comes until somebody calls out my name. I also never linger after visits although sometimes the urge to do so becomes quite terrible. I am struggling to suppress my emotions as I write this letter.

I have received only one letter since you were detained, that one dated August 22. I do not know anything about family affairs, such as payment of rent, telephone bills, care of children and their expenses, whether you will get a job when released. As long as I don't hear from you, I will remain worried and dry like a desert.

I recall the Karoo I crossed on several occasions. I saw the desert again in Botswana on my way to and from Africa--endless pits of sand and not a drop of water. I have not had a letter from you. I feel dry like a desert.

Letters from you and the family are like the arrival of summer rains and spring that liven my life and make it enjoyable.

Whenever I write you, I feel that inside physical warmth, that makes me forget all my problems. I become full of love.