On greatness

Millions of citizens, blacks and whites, felt on Tuesday that their South Africa had suddenly become the center of the world. The people, who always felt that the ghetto neighborhoods (the blacks) or the affluent neighborhoods (the whites, with some blacks today) are their entire universe, suddenly realize that their home has become the capital of the world -- even if just for one day. And all this is thanks to one person -- Nelson Mandela.

Tata Madiba not only changed the lives of millions of people, but also South Africa's image, standing and character in the world today. Dozens of world leaders, along with their predecessors felt a sense of obligation to be part of the giant celebration in what was a happy memorial service. It is hard to shed a tear over a man who never really died. This is our luck when it comes to people who leave behind a legacy.

South Africa is blessed in that it has drawn figures to it, like Mandela, who will live on forever. Churchill and Gandhi (both with direct ties to the Boer Wars) had the privilege of living in Africa, in South Africa. There is something about this land that empowers people.

In the streets of South Africa, millions are celebrating Mandela's passing, that through their struggle he liberated his country from the disgrace of apartheid. In Johannesburg people could not understand why the world was focusing its attention on the tests facing South Africa the day after. It's true, poverty still exists, and people live off an average income of $5,000 per year -- as opposed to $30,000 is the United States.

What happened before though? Mandela improved the lives of millions, but it's not only about money. It is mainly about dignity. In our world today, don't these two things go together? Obama, Merkel, Hollande, Cameron and the dozens of other leaders who took part in the memorial service became ordinary people on Tuesday. Commoners became kings for a day, while the kings seemed so small.

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