In Mandela's shadow

摘要

Last January, when the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its 90th anniversary, Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's president, made a long speech. To general astonishment, he made no mention of the ANC'S most famous figure, Nelson Mandela. The feeling is mutual. When Mr Mbeki entered parliament at the state opening in February, all stood to respectful attention except Mr Mandela, who sat stock-still in his chair despite gentle tugs from his wife. At 84, Mr Mandela has lost none of his charisma. On his visits to dusty townships, people stand for hours waiting for him and scream with joy when he appears. In parliament, MPS leap to their feet, sway, dance and sing in adoration. At dinners and private discussions, even close friends flutter with affection and respect. As he takes an armchair at a lunch in Johannesburg a roomful of businessmen, lawyers and family friends sink to their knees and form an attentive circle at his feet. He calls Queen Elizabeth by her first name ("well, she calls me Nelson"), and goes hand-in-hand with Bill Clinton, beaming for the cameras.