Former president Nelson Mandela used his negotiating skills to ensure a peaceful path from apartheid to freedom, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said on Wednesday.
“Tata Madiba was a skilful negotiator and a hard-line lobbyist... he was a brave man, who never allowed fear to stand in the way of doing good for others,” Holomisa said at the Dinokana stadium in Zeerust, North West.
He said he would never forget the day in 1992 when he accompanied Mandela to address the UN Security Council in New York, regarding his idea for deploying violence monitors.
The former leader spent most of his time on the phone lobbying the presidents of various member states of the council and other key decision makers.
“It was in the period preceding the meeting, and at the meeting itself, that I learnt the true art of persuasion from him.”
Holomisa said Mandela worked his magic and the security council voted unanimously in his favour.
“I also learnt a lot from this global icon when we went around the country to persuade the private sector to become responsible corporate citizens.”
It was because of Mandela that the private sector helped build schools, clinics, and sports facilities around the country.
As the revered man celebrated his 94th birthday on Wednesday, the nation could learn from his impeccable work ethic, his tolerance and selflessness, his willingness to forgive, and his ability to lead with integrity, he said. – Sapa