South Africa/UK

Mandela speaks out against Zimbabwe

by Daniel Brown

Article published on the 2008-06-26 Latest update 2008-06-26 16:14 TU

Former South African president Nelson Mandela in London
Photo: Daniel Brown

Former South African president Nelson Mandela spoke out against his erstwhile ally, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Wednesday, calling the current crisis in Zimbabwe "a tragic failure of leadership." Mandela addressed guests who had been invited to London's Hyde Park to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation and his HIV-Aids foundation, called 46664.

Mandela’s statement on Zimbabwe has been keenly awaited by the international community. It was made just two days before presidential elections in Zimbabwe and hours after Queen Elizabeth II revoked Robert Mugabe’s knighthood because of the “revulsion” the palace felt at the political intimidation in Zimbabwe.

Away from the official dinner, demonstrators gathered outside the gates of Hyde Park. They waved banners at the guests which called for the South African icon to break his silence over the crisis in the neighbouring state.

Mandela also called attention to other crises in Africa, including Darfur and his own homeland, South Africa.

“Nearer to home we have seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country,” he said, in reference to the recent attacks against migrants in South Africa.

The retired leader did not linger much on the spiral of violence there, preferring to focus on what he called the “terrible scourge of HIV and Aids.

“It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor,” he told the guests. "We look back at much human progress but we certainly note so much failure as well.” 

Before Mandela's speech, a tired-looking Bill Clinton said half-jokingly that he probably would have been a better President himself if he had taken more advice from Mandela.

 

“When he left his office,” Clinton added, “it was almost as if his real work began… So he went to work trying to save the children of the world beginning in his country and his continent.”

 

Seven items linked to Mandela were auctioned off by two Christie’s employees, with the proceeds going to his two main foundations. The items fetched over £5 million, including a bronze mould of Mandela’s hand that fetched £1.75 million.

  

 

A bronze mould of Mandela's hand, one of seven items on auction
Photo: Daniel Brown

 

The dinner was also part of celebrations to mark Mandela’s 90th birthday, which is set to climax on 27 June with a huge concert in Hyde Park. Guests included British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former American President Bill Clinton, Mandela’s ex-prison and political colleague Tokyo Sixwale as well as actors, sportsmen and musicians.