Our heroes are falling one by one, our police don't protect us, and our politicians are weak and vicious. And we're hanging onto Mandela as though our lives depend on it, not his; when what we should be doing is using the great gift of introspection that he gave us to pull ourselves from the wreckage.South Africa is, once again, on tenterhooks, wondering if Madiba is going to make it. Newspapers are ensuring they are on standby in case the news breaks - so much so, in fact, that a DStv channel aired an obituary in error earlier in the week, much to the righteous rage of the ANC. The country doesn't want to look away, in a mixture of mercenary alertness (God forbid we be the newspaper that misses it) and heart-wrenching sadness (he is our everything).
After the DStv obituary aired, ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu flew off the handle somewhat, and I can't say I blame him. To me, the incident symbolised everything that is wrong with this compulsive Madiba-watching. "This was uncalled for and totally insensitive," Mthembu fumed. "President Mandela is alive and receiving treatment for a recurring lung infection, as reported by the Presidency."We join millions of South Africans and people all over the world in wishing Madiba a speedy recovery and discharge from the hospital. We also join all those who are offering their prayers for the old statesman to get better."
