Mandela & Mugabe - What we can learn from them

I am sure everyone reading this will know who Nelson Mandela is. And, to some extent, why he is celebrated universally. Not that many may know about Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. I follow African politics a small bit (admittedly, through Western/Westernized eyes because everything I read is by Western media). So I cannot stop myself from comparing the situations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, admittedly at a superficial level.

What both countries had/have in common:

• Colonial British rule, with all the implied ill-treatment and  plunder
• Brutal minority rule by the descendants of European settlers
• A freedom fighter who became the head of the State after independence
• A very diverse mix of African tribes in addition to European descendants

How the two countries differ(ed):

• S. African struggle was more non-violent compared to Zimbabwe
• S. African had/has a single party that dominated/dominates politics -- ANC
• Zimbabwe had a more rocky start, with at least two factions - ZANU-PF and ZAPU-PF
• S. Africa took the 'Mandela' path, while Zimbabwe took the 'Mugabe' path

What is the difference between 'Mandela' and 'Mugabe' paths?
In short, Mandela forgave his oppressors without forgetting the oppressions. Mugabe neither forgive nor forgot.

How can you say Mandela forgave, but not forget ?

• He forgave. If you question this, start with the film Invictus.
• He did not forget. You wont agree with this if your knowledge of SA is only from Invictus. In this case, I request you to start reading on two topics -- 'Truth and reconciliation commission of South Africa' and 'Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa'. You can also read his Nobel lecture here.

How can you say Mugabe did not forgive/forget?

• One of the main reasons why Mugabe got into fight with the West is because of his redistribution policies of the fertile farm lands of Zimbabwe. At independence, 1% of European-descendant Zimbabweans controlled 70% of land. Mugabe forcibly evicted these farmers and got his ZANU-PF  cronies to take them over. So, Mugabe explicitly targeted his former oppressor group.

What is the current situation in South Africa and Zimbabwe?

• South Africa has one of the world's most liberal constitution that is also reasonably implemented. Zimbabwe's constitution is pretty much one man's will.
• Elections are universally acknowledged as free and fair in SA. It is a sham in Zimbabwe.
• SA is in the G-20 club of economically important countries. Zimbabwe was the top ranked country in the world for inflation (running in millions and billions of  %) couple of years back

Why is this relevant for India? 
Like SA and Zimbabwe, India was/is also a victim of European colonial 'adventures' of the last 200-300 years. So we should learn from others in similar situation.

What is India's approach on the issue of ex-oppressors?
I think India's approach is neither as bad as Mugabe approach nor as good as Mandela approach. India has pretty much forgotten the oppressions without really forgiving the oppressors. This will be subject of another post, to avoid making this one too lengthy.

Notes and disclaimers:

• If you know of a book/writing etc. by a Zimbabwean or South African that contradicts any of my points above, please let me know. I will be happy to read it.
• Of course, SA still has tonnes of problems even today. I am not suggesting that SA is the ideal place in the world. But only that it is moving in the right direction. It has been less than 17 years since their independence. And Africa has suffered from 500 years of European colonization. The traumas at this scale take a looooong time to heal..