All of this pressure from below led to changes from on high. History is not made just by leaders, even if that's what TV coverage revolves around.
Nelson Mandela spoke to this many times even as all the TV networks wanted was an "exclusive" interview with the "Great Man.' They referred to that as the "Big Get." My own company Globalvision's attempt to challenge this narrative with our series "South Africa Now" and many films documenting Mandela's role as a member of a movement, not just a celebrity, showed this was a struggle from below, a grass roots fight for justice.
Mandela's release from prison energized a world-wide human rights struggle. On this anniversary, his compatriot Archbishop Desmond Tutu reminds us of its significance.
"While politicians dwell on the political significance of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, it is fitting on this momentous 20th anniversary of the event for all South Africans to remember where we come from.
"For the victory belonged not just to his beloved political organization, the ANC, but to all the people of our dear land.
"The day Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison our collective spirit soared. "
"If we really want to make a difference we must recapture the spirit of that day of Nelson Mandela's release. We must recapture the spirit of pride once articulated by Steve Biko.
"We must not forget the past."
News Dissector Danny Schechter covered South Africa for decades and
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
