46664

If the number in the title means anything to you, you are probably over the age of 45.  46664 is the prison number of Nelson Mandela who 20 years ago today became a free man.  Mandela is one of those people who rise above human imperfections and makes all of us better people.  Orginally sentenced in November 1962 to five years in prison for leaving the country illegally and inciting workers to stay away from their jobs, he was later convicted, while in prison, of sabotage and sentenced to life at hard labor in apartheid South Africa. 

The most illustrative example of Mandela's unique qualities is the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  Upon his release, extraordinary expectations were placed upon him.  He was elected President of a divided country and had to chart a path that would lead to a democracy in which the black majority and white minority could live together. 

During the fight to end apartheid many atrocities were committed including torture and death.  Atrocities were committed against all people, women, men, children and the elderly.  No one was immune. Many  people disappeared never to be seen or heard from again.  Many, like Steven Biko, died while in custody.  Somehow Mandela had to find a way to begin the healing process for a country that had been torn apart in the most violent ways.

In 1995, Nelson Mandela mandated the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions.  The purpose of the Commissions was to grant amnesty for the people of South Africa who had participated in acts of torture and murder.  The individuals who testified before the Commissions had to apply for amnesty first.  If the application was accepted, the individual testified in front of the Commission and the public stating the crimes they committed and taking responsibility for them.  The Commissions allowed victims to have a chance to be heard and validated and the perpetrators to hear the pain they had caused.  It also allowed families to discover what happened to those who had disappeared.

The Commissions have been both criticized and praised. Some have said the perpetrators of crimes did not truly take responsibility for their actions.  Others have said the Truth and Reconciliation Committees prevented the country from dissolving into civil war.  There are recommendations that the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions should be replicated in the Balkans, Rwanda, and other countries that have suffered unspeakable acts of horror.

Not everyone received amnesty.  It was up to Commission members to determine if the actions of particular individuals were such that could be forgiven through public testimony or if they should stand trial.  Not all crimes can be forgiven.  Truth and Reconciliation Commissions are never recommended for perpetrators of genocide.  Some crimes are too horrific to not be dealt with through the criminal courts.

The end result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions was it began the healing process that continues to today.  While living conditions, wages, unemployment, access to clean water and sanitation is still unequal in South Africa, some progress has been made to increase the opportunities for blacks.  South Africa must also address the fact that 25% of the population is infected with HIV or dealing with the diseases associated with AIDS.  South Africa has  been hit hard by world wide recession. Despite all the obstacles in their way they have managed to make some progress toward a more equal society.

Today is a day to celebrate.  We need to celebrate the example that Mandela has provided for all of us.  Of all people in the world, Mandela had every right to hate and seek revenge, but he chose the path of forgiveness. 

To Mr. Mandela I say thank you.  Thank you for making the world a better place.