South Africa's success belongs to all

Democratic South Africa, with all its flaws and controversy, is widely considered the legacy of one man - Nelson Mandela. It is not; many contributed to the struggle for freedom in South Africa, but Mandela has come to represent much of the good in the country for which he sacrificed most of his life.

Mandela was no pacifist, but his commitment to peace and democracy in a country divided by years of bitter racial discrimination gave South Africans a vision of their country which most still cherish.

During his years in office, his priority was to reconcile South Africans and build democracy, at some cost to the social and economic transformation of the country. It was left to his successor, Thabo Mbeki, to drive the economic empowerment of the black majority and efforts to improve living standards — and take the blame for any failures.

But, during his time in office, Mandela went out of his way to instill respect for South Africa's democratic institutions and processes: the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press. Today the country has a strong trade union movement, vocal opposition parties, judges that rule without fear or favour, a press that holds public officials accountable and regular free and fair elections.

Mandela stepped down as president of South Africa in 1999 after serving a single term in office. On a continent where politicians often consider high office a life-long right, it was an important example to other African leaders, and his successors in South Africa.

South Africa today is struggling with the challenges of being an emerging economy and democracy with immense social problems, but Mandela has given his country the traditions and institutions it needs to deal with them. Now, it is up to ordinary South Africans and their leaders to build the country they want.