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Daily Maverick chooses South Africans embodying the spirit of Madiba

Daily Maverick chooses South Africans embodying the spirit of Madiba
Nelson Mandela (right) during the Rivonia Trial. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan Archive)
Daily Maverick
By Daily Maverick
17 Jul 2024
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18 July is a revered day in South Africa — it is the date on which the country’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, was born. It’s a day when South Africans extend themselves for the benefit of those less fortunate in our infamously unequal society. Daily Maverick journalists took time out from reporting to reflect on the people they feel embody the spirit of Madiba. Daily Maverick photographers Felix Dlangamandla and Joyrene Kramer also share a selection of their favourite Madiba photos while freelancer Brenton Geach remembers the day he captured an iconic image of Madiba and now President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Anele Yawa, nominated by Takudzwa Pongweni


mandela day yawa Treatment Action Campaign general secretary Anele Yawa. (Photo: Ritshidze)



Nelson Mandela visiting Khayelitsha at the height of the HIV denialism. (Photo: Media24/Gallo Images)



Anele Yawa, the general secretary of the Treatment Action Campaign, embodies the spirit of Mandela. Yawa demonstrates profound empathy for marginalised communities and tirelessly advocates for health equality.

His resilience and dedication in the pursuit of quality healthcare for all reflect Mandela-like characteristics of courage, perseverance and a strong commitment to justice.

Recently, I had the opportunity to witness Yawa’s impactful leadership during a community meeting with the North West Health Department. His unwavering dedication was evident as he addressed community concerns, including ensuring one member received her ARV transfer letter promptly.

Yawa’s ability to inspire and his unwavering dedication to positive change in healthcare make him a fitting nominee for embodying Mandela’s legacy. 

Siya Kolisi, nominated by Craig Ray 


mandela day kolisi Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. (Photo: David Rogers / Getty Images)



leadership for transformation Nelson Mandela hands Francois Pienaar the Rugby World Cup trophy after the Springboks beat the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 24 June 1995. (Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen / Gallo Images)



The obvious parallel between Madiba and Siya Kolisi is the No 6 Springbok jersey, which Mandela famously wore at the final of Rugby World Cup 1995, but the link is much greater than that.

Just like Mandela, Kolisi has that innate ability to make everyone in his orbit feel included, respected and heard. He speaks not only for the privileged but for, and to, the voiceless, the hopeless and the lonely. Kolisi takes everyone on the journey with him — all are made to feel welcome in his world and all are considered. He interacts with a street cleaner and a king in the same way.

Kolisi is a warrior on the field and will fight for his team, his teammates and his country with respect, courage and pride — win or lose. He carries South Africa with him at all times. He is more mature now and has taken on more responsibilities as a father, husband and philanthropist, but his warmth and magnetism cannot be faked.

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, nominated by Suné Payne


mandela day sooliman Founder of Gift of the Givers Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. (Photo: Gallo Images / Volksblad / Mlungisi Louw)



Nelson Mandela casting his vote during the 1994 general elections on April 27, 1994 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Richard Shorey)



Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, is kind beyond measure. He is known for his charitable efforts and as a moral voice against the injustices of hunger, poverty and inequality suffered by South Africans.  

This was evident after a break-in at the organisation’s Cape Town base in 2023 in which clothes and medical essentials for those in need were stolen. The parents of those who stole the goods returned them to Gift of the Givers. 

The kindness Sooliman showed to those parents was something to behold: he did not hold them accountable for their children’s actions, but instead praised them for doing the right thing.

Sooliman embodies the spirit of Mandela: fiercely in defence of what is right while being kind even to those who have done him wrong.

Godfrey Baloyi, nominated by Don Pinnock 


mandela day baloyi Godfrey Baloyi general manager and guide of Pafuri Camp, Kruger National Park. (Photo: Don Pinnock)



Nelson Mandela President Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in Pretoria on 10 May 1994. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / David Sandison)



You’ve probably never heard of Godfrey Baloyi — heroes come in many guises. But there’s something about Baloyi and his Makuleke people in the far north of Kruger Park that’s reminiscent of the life of Mandela: overcoming cruelty and dispossession and making a triumphant return.

The general manager and guide of Pafuri Camp, Baloyi is a man with a wide smile and a fierce passion for community involvement. You instinctively trust him. 

The Makuleke people were forcibly removed twice from their land, once in the 1940s and again, at gunpoint in 1969 when the apartheid government laid claim to possibly the most beautiful part of what is now the Kruger Park. Their homes were torched. 

“The Makulekes were told, ‘You’ll have houses where we are taking you,’”  says Baloyi. “‘Everything is ready for you.’ But there was nothing, not even running water.

“We fought and we had allies in that fight and in 1998 we got back our title. We lost all the livestock but now we have the buffalo and impala and the giraffe!”

The Makuleke people were the first to put in a land claim in 1996 and it’s extraordinary to contemplate what they now own. Pafuri is Kruger’s vast Eden — 26,000 hectares and 75% of the biodiversity of the park.

“This is the jewel of the Kruger,” says Baloyi. “A place of true peace. What has happened is in the past. We have a very happy life.”

Themba Zwane, nominated by Yanga Sibembe


mandela day Themba Zwane Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane (front). (Photo: Gavin Barker / BackpagePix)



rivonia trial Nelson Mandela (centre) during the Rivonia Trial in 1964. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan Archive)



Themba Zwane, the Mamelodi Sundowns captain and Bafana Bafana midfielder, embodies sportsmanship. The way he has carried himself throughout his career, which is well over 10 years now, is exemplary — especially in an industry where people can sometimes get lost in the hype of “stardom” or make headlines for negative reasons.

Zwane is shy and reserved, but leads by example. At the age of 34, he is still one of South Africa’s best players. Many young players in the South African Premiership cite him as a role model. 

Raymond Zondo, nominated by Ferial Haffajee

mandela day zondo Raymond Zondo, Chief Justice and chair of the State Capture commission. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Alon Skuy)



rivonia trial Nelson Mandela (right) during the Rivonia Trial. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan Archive)



Chief Justice Raymond Zondo embodies the spirit and values of Mandela. It’s not well known that he did not particularly want to chair the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture — but when volunteer judges were asked to come forward, none did. Who can blame them, for who wants to excavate a viper’s nest?

Judge Zondo became an expert on State Capture and issued a report that shows us how we lost our way and gives us a measuring stick as we walk the jagged road of returning our country to the path of social justice. As Constitutional Court Chief Justice, he has run a good to great court with humour and a booming voice. He is a reassuring barometer of the power of justice and the rule of law. DM

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