Mandela’s Enduring Legacy: Unveiling the Unbreakable Bond between Mandela and Algeria
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, July 13, 2023 – On the occasion of the “Remembrance Forum,” held in Algiers, participants highlighted the profound and enduring relationship between the esteemed activist and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, and Algeria. They emphasized that Mandela drew inspiration from Algeria’s War of Liberation in his relentless resistance against the apartheid regime that plagued his country.
Organized by the association Mechaâl Echahid and the daily El-Moudjahid, the Forum commemorated the 61st anniversary of national sovereignty and the International Day of Nelson Mandela (July 18). Among the distinguished attendees were Noureddine Djoudi, a comrade in arms of Nelson Mandela during the War of Liberation, as well as diplomats, including the ambassadors of Zimbabwe, Venezuela, and Vietnam, along with the charge d’affaires of the South African embassy in Algeria, Sello Patrick Rankhumise.
President of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution, Noureddine Djoudi, shed light on the fact that Nelson Mandela received military training from Algerians and that his struggle was profoundly influenced by the Algerian revolutionaries and their glorious struggle. After completing his military training, Mandela returned to South Africa to wage a fierce battle against the apartheid system. However, he was subsequently arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life in prison, Djoudi recalled.
Djoudi further emphasized that Algeria’s influence on Mandela extended beyond military tactics; it also impacted his diplomatic approach. Algeria’s experience and success in fighting racial discrimination served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Mandela’s campaign against apartheid.
Furthermore, the Algerian diplomat drew attention to the plight of the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples. He condemned the ongoing Zionist aggression and violations faced by the Palestinian people, particularly in the city of Jenin. Djoudi also highlighted the Sahrawi cause, with its people suffering under the yoke of Moroccan occupation, as the Makhzen regime continues to violate human rights and illegally exploit the natural resources of Western Sahara. It was lamentable, Djoudi stated, that Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa, remains occupied by an African nation.
“In all circumstances, freedom and independence will stand as allies to the Sahrawi and Palestinian people,” Djoudi emphasized. He reiterated Algeria’s unwavering support for the right to self-determination and independence for both the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples. Supporting liberation movements remains an unyielding principle for Algeria, a nation recognized as the cradle of revolutionaries.
The “Remembrance Forum” in Algiers serves as a reminder of the profound bond between Nelson Mandela and Algeria, a bond that transcends borders and generations. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the universal fight for freedom, justice, and equality, which continue to inspire activists and leaders around the world.
Embracing Mandela’s Legacy: A Call to Global Action for Justice, Humanity, and Reconciliation
Nelson Mandela International Day, observed this year under the theme “Climate, Food and Solidarity”, our call to action is “It is in your hands,” serves as a reminder of the enduring values and principles embodied by Nelson Mandela. In a heartfelt speech, Sello Patrick Rankhumise, Chargé d’Affaires at the South African Embassy in Algeria, emphasized the collective responsibility to create a better life for ourselves, our communities, our continent, and our world. He called upon individuals to raise awareness and embrace Mandela’s values, including the fight against injustice, aiding those in need, and pursuing reconciliation. By faithfully serving humanitarian causes, we can follow in the footsteps of this remarkable leader.
Expressing gratitude, the South African diplomat extended thanks to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Algerian Government, and its people for recognizing Nelson Mandela’s contributions and struggle. He highlighted the honor of having a sports facility, the Baraki Stadium, named after Mandela, an achievement that fills both South Africans and friends of Algeria with pride. This gesture demonstrates the enduring impact and resonance of Mandela’s legacy in the global arena.
Juan Arias, the Venezuelan ambassador to Algeria, lauded Nelson Mandela for his unique ability to unite political leadership and activism. He emphasized the importance of a spirit of responsibility among leaders, transcending mere politics. Arias paid homage to Mandela as an eternal symbol of the struggle for emancipation, liberation, and the eradication of apartheid. He drew parallels between the South African Revolution led by Mandela and the liberation movements of oppressed peoples worldwide. In acknowledging the media war that often distorts the facts during such revolutions, he empathetically highlighted the plight experienced by the Venezuelan people.
On July 18, the world celebrates the International Day of Nelson Mandela, a date that coincides with his birth. Proclaimed by UNESCO in November 2009, this day recognizes Mandela’s immense contribution to the fight for democracy, the promotion of peace, and the cultivation of freedom on a global scale. As we commemorate this day, let us embrace Mandela’s values and principles, spreading them far and wide, to build a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world.
