The death of Nelson Mandela has stirred so many emotions that I felt I had to record some personal observations on how he influenced both my personal and business life.
My first encounter with South Africa was soon after I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and, newly married, my wife Maria and I set off to live for two and half years in Johannesburg. It was October 1981 and the city was a huge financial centre.
I was aware of the apartheid but was never overtly political. My passion was to succeed in business. Naively, and very embarrassingly, apartheid never really entered my thoughts.
We loved the country, the people and the weather and had an amazing time. The business experience was superb. However, it was very easy for whites to live there segregated. We did hear of Mandela from the UK but not in SA as all discussion of him was banned.
We left SA in April 1984 having made great friends with many whites and colored people (as they were designated by the government). Black people were far too apprehensive to take you at face value and become friends. Acquaintances yes, but friends?
Fast forward to the release of Mandela in 1990. Like everyone else, we were transfixed by the TV reports. His statements of reconciliation were extraordinary. Our expectations were high but like most people we could not envisage what transpired.
Once back in Scotland, South Africa was like a drug- we could not get enough of it.
I was working as a Finance Director of an international metals company which did business in South Africa so my contact with the country had been maintained.
Then, in October 1993, Mandela was to visit Scotland to accept the honour of becoming a Freeman of the City of Glasgow. I have read many great articles on this visit but the one in The Herald by David Pratt was especially good.
As part of the visit, the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) and the CBI were to hold a joint reception in the Hilton Hotel. We were invited because of our business links to the country.
At the last minute, the CBI pulled out and some businesses did not attend. We never found out why.
Unfazed, Brian Filling, chair of the AAM in Scotland, took over all responsibility and the event went ahead. We arrived expecting 500 or so people in a large reception hall, all hoping to get a glimpse of “Madiba”. In fact, the reception had been kept very small and was attended by around 40 people – students, business people, AAM members and others.
Mandela arrived (accompanied by his doctor to make sure he didn’t overdo it) and with Brian Filling at his side started making his way around everyone in the room. Half way through, he was asked to make a speech. I will never forget the charisma, the inspiration and the effect of his speech which almost left me tearful.
We had a ten to fifteen minutes discussion with Mr Mandela. He was respectful, knowledgeable about business and the needs of investment. He was especially keen on asking when we were moving back to South Africa. He wanted us to return to live and bring up our children there, as the new South Africa needed all the help it could get from black and white people. He was serious!
We both remember the twinkle and mischievous look he had in his eyes. He took Maria’s hand, bandaged after a small operation, and held it while he spoke with us. Charming, lovely and definitely a man who had an affinity with the ladies.
He left to huge applause with everyone uplifted but humbled by this amazing gentleman. A true inspiration for me.
We continue to visit South Africa regularly.
Hugh Stewart
