Mourning the Death of Nelson Mandela

Aichi Insurance Physicians’ Newspaper

Nelson Mandela, who reformed South Africa—a country that once represented the extreme of racial discrimination—has passed away at the age of 95. As the figure who symbolized the liberation of Africa through the abolition of black oppression, Mandela has been the subject of two notable films.

"Goodbye Bafana" (2007) is set in South Africa between 1968 and 1990. It is a quiet film that portrays the relationship between prison guard James Gregory and Nelson Mandela. At first, Gregory believed that Mandela deserved the death penalty. However, after encountering Mandela in solitary confinement, his perception begins to change. In 1975, after extending small acts of kindness to Mandela and his wife, Gregory faced isolation in his workplace and white society. Though he requested to resign, his request was denied, and he continued his duty. In the 1980s, even as the apartheid regime grew increasingly isolated due to global criticism, it began to change its treatment of Mandela. Then came the day that drew the world’s attention—February 11, 1990.

"Invictus" (2009)After being imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela was released in 1990 and became South Africa’s first black president. At that time, in 1994, the national rugby team was in a slump and was widely disliked as a symbol of apartheid. Mandela believed the team could become a symbol of unity between white and black South Africans. During the 1995 Rugby World Cup, held in South Africa, the team made it to the finals. As the nation watched, they faced the All Blacks in the championship match. Morgan Freeman delivered a compelling performance as Mandela.

Is it too much to hope that a great leader like Mandela might one day emerge from an island nation in the Far East?