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Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years
The long-awaited second volume of Nelson Mandela’s memoirs, left unfinished at his death and never before available, are here completed and expanded with notes and speeches written by Mandela during his historic presidency, making for a moving sequel to his worldwide bestseller Long Walk to Freedom.
“I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of democratic South Africa. Five years later, he stood down. In that time, he and his government wrought the most extraordinary transformation, turning a nation riven by centuries of colonialism and apartheid into a fully functioning democracy in which all South Africa’s citizens, black and white, were equal before the law. Dare Not Linger is the story of Mandela’s presidency, drawing heavily on the memoir he began to write as he prepared to finish his term as president, but was unable to finish. Now the acclaimed South African author Mandla Langa has completed the task using Mandela’s unfinished draft, detailed notes that Mandela made as events were unfolding, and a wealth of previously unseen archival material. The result is a vivid and inspirational account of Mandela’s presidency: years during which he overcame the challenges of transition and made a reality of his cherished vision for a liberated South Africa.
“I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of democratic South Africa. Five years later, he stood down. In that time, he and his government wrought the most extraordinary transformation, turning a nation riven by centuries of colonialism and apartheid into a fully functioning democracy in which all South Africa’s citizens, black and white, were equal before the law. Dare Not Linger is the story of Mandela’s presidency, drawing heavily on the memoir he began to write as he prepared to finish his term as president, but was unable to finish. Now the acclaimed South African author Mandla Langa has completed the task using Mandela’s unfinished draft, detailed notes that Mandela made as events were unfolding, and a wealth of previously unseen archival material. The result is a vivid and inspirational account of Mandela’s presidency: years during which he overcame the challenges of transition and made a reality of his cherished vision for a liberated South Africa.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2017
About the author
Nelson Mandela
245 books2,046 followersNelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a former President of South Africa, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, who held office from 1994–99.
Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...
Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 6, 2017
This is the long-awaited second volume of the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. It has been put together from what he had written before his death, and from his notes. It has been edited with great skill, devotion and commitment by Mandla Langa, the author of “Lost Colours of the Chameleon” and a number of other books. Here, I have to confess that Mandla Langa has been my friend for more than thirty years, since he came into exile in the UK following the Soweto Uprising of 1976. During that time, Mandla took a leading role in the cultural activities of the ANC, and I was one of the chair-people of the London Committee of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The first time that I met Nelson Mandela was, with Mandla and others, at Madame Toussaud’s in London when his waxwork was being unveiled. So that is my colours nailed to the mast. As someone who was closely involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement and in some of the events described in the book, I cannot be described as a neutral observer.
This book approaches those events of the 1994 first democratic elections in South Africa and the first few years of the transition process from the perspective of Nelson Mandela. That is what makes the book fascinating. Nowadays, people regard it as some kind of miracle that Mandela was able, during his Presidency, to end the years of conflict in South Africa. It was not. It was the result of very hard work and of a deep political understanding of what needed to be done. It was Nelson Mandela who did that. This book is an analysis of that process, of the threats, the dangers, the angers and resentments that had to be negotiated so that South Africa did not descend into civil war. It describes, from the inside, what was a remarkable achievement. But it was not a miracle. It did not come out of the blue. It came about because Nelson Mandela understood what had to be done, and then found ways of achieving it.
The first threat came from those who did not want to participate in the election or who were pretending that they did not wish to participate in order to gain an electoral advantage. The threats came from the extreme white right wing and from Chief Mangosuthu (known as Gatsha) Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party. Neither threat was negligible – they could have led to civil war. It needed Nelson Mandela to exercise a great deal of skill and patience to neutralise them.
It was Mandela who steered South Africa through the Afrikaner Weerstand Beweging (AWB) attack on the negotiators at the Conference for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), the massacres at Bisho and Boipatong, the assassination of Chris Hani, the AWB attack on Bophuthatswana and a host of other events. It was Mandela who persuaded General Constand Viljoen of the Freedom Front that his organisation should register to take part in the election. It was Mandela who contacted Buthelezi and, despite opposition from recalcitrant in the ANC, such as Harry Gwala, set about asking the Inkatha Freedom Party to join the elections. At many times, and especially following the murder of Chris Hani, South Africa was on the brink of a civil war. It was Mandela who avoided all these disasters. It was his leadership that made the difference. To find out how, you must read the book.
Of course, Mandela did not achieve any of this on his own. There were many people who assisted him. There were many more who were persuaded by him. There were some, like Robert Van Tonder and Boere Weerstand Beweging, who refused to be persuaded but they were few and far between. Fortunately, Mandela was able to neutralise them, but not enough to prevent them killing people with the bombs that they exploded during the election campaigning and on the election days themselves. Of course, it was a collective effort but it was Mandela who provided the leadership. That is now generally acknowledged. That is part of the story of this book.
Nor did the danger pass with the election. I distinctly remember standing there in South Africa House in London on 10th May 1994, wondering whether the South African Air Force would strafe the guests at the Presidential inauguration. That this did not happen was partly because my imagination was over-active but also partly because Mandela had convinced the generals to give the new South Africa a chance to survive. There was a huge effort that had to be put into nation-building, and this is what Mandela made the theme of his Presidency. He made huge efforts at nation-building, in creating a constitution, in establishing the role of Parliament, in establishing the role of the traditional leaders in a democracy, and in transforming the state.
These are the themes of the chapters that take up the tale following Mandela’s swearing-in as President. Most important, however, was the theme of reconciliation. Mandela however was careful not to let people off the hook. He was the driving force behind the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He made it necessary for apartheid officials to state clearly what they had done before they could be granted amnesty. It was difficult. There were people who refused to apply to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because they knew that any evidence against them had been destroyed. There were people who did not believe in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because they wanted the perpetrators to be prosecuted and go to prison. Mandela recognised that this was not going to happen because the burden of proof was on the prosecution. He sought a way in which the relatives of victims could find out what happened to their loved ones. It proved to be cathartic. There were some, like Craig Williamson, who were not penitent, but the recognition of the grief of so many did help the healing process, or, at least, that is the argument that Mandela would have put forward.
The last chapter is about Mandela on the African and the World Stage. Mandela served as an honest broker for his continent. He was able to help resolve the difficulties in countries such as Rwanda and Zaire. He was able to resolve issues like the prosecution in relation to the Lockerbie bombing. He was feted throughout the world. My particular memory was of Mandela’s State Visit to London in 1996, where he not only spoke to both Houses of Parliament but visited the black community in Brixton.
This book is about the contribution that Mandela made during his Presidency to the healing of the wounds caused by apartheid. It is a book about the contribution of one man. He was not a saint. He made mistakes, which are discussed in this book and which he himself recognised. It is an important book because it discusses how an icon dealt with the issues in front of him. It discusses how he became an icon. It is a clear assessment, based on the writings of the man himself, about the contribution that he made.
For that reason it is astonishing, and that is why you should read it.
This book approaches those events of the 1994 first democratic elections in South Africa and the first few years of the transition process from the perspective of Nelson Mandela. That is what makes the book fascinating. Nowadays, people regard it as some kind of miracle that Mandela was able, during his Presidency, to end the years of conflict in South Africa. It was not. It was the result of very hard work and of a deep political understanding of what needed to be done. It was Nelson Mandela who did that. This book is an analysis of that process, of the threats, the dangers, the angers and resentments that had to be negotiated so that South Africa did not descend into civil war. It describes, from the inside, what was a remarkable achievement. But it was not a miracle. It did not come out of the blue. It came about because Nelson Mandela understood what had to be done, and then found ways of achieving it.
The first threat came from those who did not want to participate in the election or who were pretending that they did not wish to participate in order to gain an electoral advantage. The threats came from the extreme white right wing and from Chief Mangosuthu (known as Gatsha) Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party. Neither threat was negligible – they could have led to civil war. It needed Nelson Mandela to exercise a great deal of skill and patience to neutralise them.
It was Mandela who steered South Africa through the Afrikaner Weerstand Beweging (AWB) attack on the negotiators at the Conference for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), the massacres at Bisho and Boipatong, the assassination of Chris Hani, the AWB attack on Bophuthatswana and a host of other events. It was Mandela who persuaded General Constand Viljoen of the Freedom Front that his organisation should register to take part in the election. It was Mandela who contacted Buthelezi and, despite opposition from recalcitrant in the ANC, such as Harry Gwala, set about asking the Inkatha Freedom Party to join the elections. At many times, and especially following the murder of Chris Hani, South Africa was on the brink of a civil war. It was Mandela who avoided all these disasters. It was his leadership that made the difference. To find out how, you must read the book.
Of course, Mandela did not achieve any of this on his own. There were many people who assisted him. There were many more who were persuaded by him. There were some, like Robert Van Tonder and Boere Weerstand Beweging, who refused to be persuaded but they were few and far between. Fortunately, Mandela was able to neutralise them, but not enough to prevent them killing people with the bombs that they exploded during the election campaigning and on the election days themselves. Of course, it was a collective effort but it was Mandela who provided the leadership. That is now generally acknowledged. That is part of the story of this book.
Nor did the danger pass with the election. I distinctly remember standing there in South Africa House in London on 10th May 1994, wondering whether the South African Air Force would strafe the guests at the Presidential inauguration. That this did not happen was partly because my imagination was over-active but also partly because Mandela had convinced the generals to give the new South Africa a chance to survive. There was a huge effort that had to be put into nation-building, and this is what Mandela made the theme of his Presidency. He made huge efforts at nation-building, in creating a constitution, in establishing the role of Parliament, in establishing the role of the traditional leaders in a democracy, and in transforming the state.
These are the themes of the chapters that take up the tale following Mandela’s swearing-in as President. Most important, however, was the theme of reconciliation. Mandela however was careful not to let people off the hook. He was the driving force behind the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He made it necessary for apartheid officials to state clearly what they had done before they could be granted amnesty. It was difficult. There were people who refused to apply to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because they knew that any evidence against them had been destroyed. There were people who did not believe in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because they wanted the perpetrators to be prosecuted and go to prison. Mandela recognised that this was not going to happen because the burden of proof was on the prosecution. He sought a way in which the relatives of victims could find out what happened to their loved ones. It proved to be cathartic. There were some, like Craig Williamson, who were not penitent, but the recognition of the grief of so many did help the healing process, or, at least, that is the argument that Mandela would have put forward.
The last chapter is about Mandela on the African and the World Stage. Mandela served as an honest broker for his continent. He was able to help resolve the difficulties in countries such as Rwanda and Zaire. He was able to resolve issues like the prosecution in relation to the Lockerbie bombing. He was feted throughout the world. My particular memory was of Mandela’s State Visit to London in 1996, where he not only spoke to both Houses of Parliament but visited the black community in Brixton.
This book is about the contribution that Mandela made during his Presidency to the healing of the wounds caused by apartheid. It is a book about the contribution of one man. He was not a saint. He made mistakes, which are discussed in this book and which he himself recognised. It is an important book because it discusses how an icon dealt with the issues in front of him. It discusses how he became an icon. It is a clear assessment, based on the writings of the man himself, about the contribution that he made.
For that reason it is astonishing, and that is why you should read it.
February 16, 2022
It's a beautifully written book, no doubt Mandla Langa is one of the most celebrated authors in SA. I liked it, it made me appreciate the sacrifices our struggle heroes and heroines made to get South Africa to where it is today, and how things could have easily gone bad for South Africa had those heroes put their egos ahead of the country's future. In short; they saved the country from a brink of civil war... But I also felt that the book contained a lot of information that was already available to the public, some of which had been written about many times, such as Mandela's speeches in SA and internationally. But overall it's a good book.
March 1, 2022
"El color de la libertad" narra los años presidenciales de Nelson Mandela durante el primer gobierno democrático de Sudáfrica. Es edificante ver su paciencia, su compromiso y su lucha para lograr el respeto a la dignidad de toda persona humana y a sus derechos. Sus ideales, los objetivos que propuso y las metas que durante su gobierno logró alcanzar son admirables.
December 10, 2017
Like others I had hoped we'd have more of Mandela's thoughts after reading his 'Long Walk to Freedom' and this book is the second part of his memoirs. Compiled from his notes and texts, this is based off the writing he had started but unfortunately had been unable to finish.
Apparently he ended up writing about ten chapters about his time in office but abandoned the work. So the rest was compiled together from Mandela's notes during his term, the original draft of the work, plus additional information to give the reader context to Mandela's rise and the political and historical context of the time. Unfortunately this shows. I'm reminded of another attempt by another author to create an autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. using similar methods (compiling a text based off of the subjects words, interviews, texts, etc.).
I understand the impulse but like the MLK book this one just can't capture Mandela either. 'Long' required a slow reading which I was fine with because Mandela made it interesting and I was interested in his story. It just doesn't quite work here, although as a reference I'm sure others will find it very valuable. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for a book like this or it's just not the right time for me.
Borrow from the library unless you are very interested in Mandela but I'd suggest you'd flip through at the bookstore/library first before deciding to buy.
Apparently he ended up writing about ten chapters about his time in office but abandoned the work. So the rest was compiled together from Mandela's notes during his term, the original draft of the work, plus additional information to give the reader context to Mandela's rise and the political and historical context of the time. Unfortunately this shows. I'm reminded of another attempt by another author to create an autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. using similar methods (compiling a text based off of the subjects words, interviews, texts, etc.).
I understand the impulse but like the MLK book this one just can't capture Mandela either. 'Long' required a slow reading which I was fine with because Mandela made it interesting and I was interested in his story. It just doesn't quite work here, although as a reference I'm sure others will find it very valuable. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for a book like this or it's just not the right time for me.
Borrow from the library unless you are very interested in Mandela but I'd suggest you'd flip through at the bookstore/library first before deciding to buy.
November 26, 2017
I loved Long Walk to Freedom and I had high expectations for this book. It was just factual and I didn’t feel much emotion reading it. It did however provide a reminder of what a wonderful leader Mandela was, and I found it hard to believe he belonged to the same ANC that we know today.
November 24, 2017
This book does not come near Long Walk to Freedom.
October 11, 2020
#BlackHistoryMonth!
Really good! Things I took from this:
When they took power, the ANC weren't just fighting an election, they were also running a massive voter education campaign, this was basically bootstrapping a democracy. And they were doing that under fire from the apartheid government, and facing propaganda about the dangers of Black leadership.
The apartheid government ran death squads. They had torture prisons. They were still doing this when apartheid ended. The state machinery was consumed by controlling the Black population, that was it's overriding concern. When Mandela started the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it was about ending that, without the government collapsing. He cared about governing for everyone, of all races, and definitely wanted the government to be inclusive, but the first priority was stopping the murdering.
He saw himself first and foremost as representing the ANC. I've read in polsci things that there are three basic sources of leadership authority - law, tradition, or personality. The world sees Mandela as a hero, but he didn't want government to rest on him, he did everything he could to focus on the supremacy of law and the constitution. So he always put the law first, and always spoke about ANC policies, he didn't want it to be about him.
One of the reasons he saw reconciliation as possible was that the Afrikaaners weren't the ones who created apartheid - they were just following the pattern set up by the British. The Afrikaners saw themselves as poor and oppressed by the colonial powers, and Mandela saw that as something he could reason with. ...so yay, Britain is *the worst*, again.
I also hadn't realised that on Robben Island, the prisoners were doing hard labour. He slept on a mat on a stone floor in a bare cell. His eyesight was permanently damaged by conditions there. Those were the conditions while he was studying for a law degree (interrupted for years by arbitrary prison rules) and holding ANC policy forums.
So yeah, learned a lot! Gotta find Long Road To Freedom now.
Really good! Things I took from this:
When they took power, the ANC weren't just fighting an election, they were also running a massive voter education campaign, this was basically bootstrapping a democracy. And they were doing that under fire from the apartheid government, and facing propaganda about the dangers of Black leadership.
The apartheid government ran death squads. They had torture prisons. They were still doing this when apartheid ended. The state machinery was consumed by controlling the Black population, that was it's overriding concern. When Mandela started the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it was about ending that, without the government collapsing. He cared about governing for everyone, of all races, and definitely wanted the government to be inclusive, but the first priority was stopping the murdering.
He saw himself first and foremost as representing the ANC. I've read in polsci things that there are three basic sources of leadership authority - law, tradition, or personality. The world sees Mandela as a hero, but he didn't want government to rest on him, he did everything he could to focus on the supremacy of law and the constitution. So he always put the law first, and always spoke about ANC policies, he didn't want it to be about him.
One of the reasons he saw reconciliation as possible was that the Afrikaaners weren't the ones who created apartheid - they were just following the pattern set up by the British. The Afrikaners saw themselves as poor and oppressed by the colonial powers, and Mandela saw that as something he could reason with. ...so yay, Britain is *the worst*, again.
I also hadn't realised that on Robben Island, the prisoners were doing hard labour. He slept on a mat on a stone floor in a bare cell. His eyesight was permanently damaged by conditions there. Those were the conditions while he was studying for a law degree (interrupted for years by arbitrary prison rules) and holding ANC policy forums.
So yeah, learned a lot! Gotta find Long Road To Freedom now.
August 18, 2020
Purchase Dare Not Linger here for just $15!
It goes without saying that Nelson Mandela’s story is one of courage and strength. This book is inspiring, covering mostly the presidential years and the political efforts this man made as the truly unique and strong leader he was.
Brooke - The Book Grocer
It goes without saying that Nelson Mandela’s story is one of courage and strength. This book is inspiring, covering mostly the presidential years and the political efforts this man made as the truly unique and strong leader he was.
Brooke - The Book Grocer
June 10, 2020
Of all the books I've read about Mandela, none have gone into so much detail into the nuances of his years as President. To get that information mostly from his own words is inspiring and makes one feel that they are there alongside him.
October 8, 2018
"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended."
Mandela was an incredibly interesting person who lived an extraordinary life. I was not particularly thrilled with this book though and I wish that I could say otherwise. Maybe it's that South African politics does not particularly excite me at this level. I discovered that same thing regarding Rhodesia where I loved the military and tactical history of it, but when I tried making the jump to studying Rhodesian politics and the bureaucratic side of history none of it seemed interesting in the slightest. This book is very heavy on that same side of back and forth politicking. Reader beware.
Mandela was an incredibly interesting person who lived an extraordinary life. I was not particularly thrilled with this book though and I wish that I could say otherwise. Maybe it's that South African politics does not particularly excite me at this level. I discovered that same thing regarding Rhodesia where I loved the military and tactical history of it, but when I tried making the jump to studying Rhodesian politics and the bureaucratic side of history none of it seemed interesting in the slightest. This book is very heavy on that same side of back and forth politicking. Reader beware.
January 20, 2021
Too textbook-like. Quite dry. I learnt a lot but did not enjoy reading this. However, it provides a good overview on how Mandela ran his government post-apartheid. Good if you want to know more about nascent democracy.
.
I enjoyed his first memoir, A Long Walk to Freedom. I worship the book, basically. The main difference between that book and this one is that Mandela passed away before he could finish this one. Hence, we do not get that honest enlightening monologue feels. A poet, Mandla Langa helped string his drafts together to produce this second memoir.
.
Lots of interesting aspects. Mandela had a clear vision of how South Africa should be like post-apartheid. It must be inclusive. This was repeated many times. Working with what used to be the white minority rulers was tricky. However, he always chose the path of reconciliation. I find that so so admirable. He was jailed for almost three decades and had to run a country upon his release. He wanted only to rest. He was old and ailing. That is why he served only for a term. His sense of duty trumped all. The book is divided into various aspects of governance - unity, economy, social, health and education, among others. It does not read like a memoir. Instead, it reads more like a guide on governance, Mandela-style. Yes, the tone of the book is very hero-worshipping. But it is Mandela.
.
3/5. Recommended if you are into politics. A lot can be learnt here. But perhaps not for enjoyment or depth.
.
I enjoyed his first memoir, A Long Walk to Freedom. I worship the book, basically. The main difference between that book and this one is that Mandela passed away before he could finish this one. Hence, we do not get that honest enlightening monologue feels. A poet, Mandla Langa helped string his drafts together to produce this second memoir.
.
Lots of interesting aspects. Mandela had a clear vision of how South Africa should be like post-apartheid. It must be inclusive. This was repeated many times. Working with what used to be the white minority rulers was tricky. However, he always chose the path of reconciliation. I find that so so admirable. He was jailed for almost three decades and had to run a country upon his release. He wanted only to rest. He was old and ailing. That is why he served only for a term. His sense of duty trumped all. The book is divided into various aspects of governance - unity, economy, social, health and education, among others. It does not read like a memoir. Instead, it reads more like a guide on governance, Mandela-style. Yes, the tone of the book is very hero-worshipping. But it is Mandela.
.
3/5. Recommended if you are into politics. A lot can be learnt here. But perhaps not for enjoyment or depth.
May 23, 2020
Nelson Mandela, com muita inteligencia e dialogo, lutou contra o apartheid e trouxe a democracia a Africa do Sul.
Um manual da diplomacia.
Um manual da diplomacia.
December 16, 2017
Wanneer je aan een biografie van Mandela begint, weet je dat het verhaal iets anders zal gaan dan wanneer je Keith Richards of Gijp leest. Mandela fascineert me al vele jaren, graag duik ik in zijn eigen verhaal. In het voorwoord blijkt al dat dat niet helemaal klopt. Toen hij president werd, maakte hij vele aantekeningen, het uitwerken kwam hij niet meer aan toe. Mandla Langa heeft er een boek van gemaakt. Maar al snel raak ik in verwarring. Wanneer is Langa aan het woord en wanneer Mandela? Het is niet de biografie die ik verwachtte, het is een boek over Mandela waarin hij zelf aan het woord komt. Nuanceverschil.
Tweede tegenvaller bleek de zwaarte van de tekst. Dit is geen leesboek, dit is een naslagwerk. De hoeveelheid voetnoten werd alleen overtroffen door de eindnoten, bijna 600 in totaal, alleen al daarvoor zijn meer dan 20 bladzijden nodig. Het was even een opgave om het boek door te werken. Maar toen ik me daarop eenmaal had ingesteld, wist waaraan ik was begonnen, was het vooral erg boeiend om te lezen over de jaren dat Mandela het nieuwe Zuid-Afrika mocht opbouwen.
Omdat het over vrij recente geschiedenis gaat, weet je automatisch iets meer dan wanneer je over andere historische politici leest. Daarbij reisde ik ooit een paar weken door zijn land. Maar zijn prestatie kan niet genoeg geprezen worden. Niet alleen werd hij president na drie decennia in de gevangenis te hebben gezeten, hij moest het hele land omvormen. Meer dan dat, als je leest over het opbouwen van een ambtenarenapparaat, over het samenvoegen van voorheen op voet van oorlog verkerende strijdtroepen, over zijn bewust gekozen brede regenboogcoalitie, dan zie je wat een ongelooflijke prestatie Mandela heeft geleverd.
Het boek beschrijft tot in details over de opbouw van het nieuwe Zuid-Afrika, soms tot aan vervelens toe, vele ministers zijn niet meer dan een voetnoot in de geschiedenis, maar krijgen toch een alinea, een bladzijde. Voeg dat samen met de bijna wetenschappelijke benadering van de schrijver, men zal snappen dat dit niet een boek is voor naast het zwembad tijdens een zomervakantie.
Met afstand het meest indrukwekkende hoofdstuk was het verhaal van de verzoening. Mandela begreep dat hij het land in een burgeroorlog zou storten wanneer hij meteen na de afschaffing van de apartheid namens de zwarte meerderheid alle macht naar zich toe zou trekken. Want ook al was de blanke bevolking een kleine minderheid, de economische macht, het opleidingsniveau, de militaire kracht, alles was terug te vinden bij die kleine groep. Hij had die groep dus nodig. En dus ging hij om tafel met de politici die hem hadden opgesloten. Liet hij de rechtspraak aan corrupte rechters die volgens nieuwe, grotendeels nog te ontwerpen wetten, moesten rechtspreken. Racistische politiemensen behielden hun baan. Een waarheids- en verzoeningscommissie moest in kaart brengen welke misdaden er allemaal waren gepleegd in naam van de Apartheid. Maar dankzij een ruimhartige amnestie konden velen een straf ontlopen. Juist deze niet eenvoudige verzoening zorgde ervoor dat Zuid-Afrika een nieuw land werd voor alle inwoners, een land met veel problemen, maar desalniettemin een eenheid. Een wankele eenheid, maar toch. In mijn beleving was dit de enige juiste beslissing, de enige mogelijke manier om verder te gaan. Juist daarom zal er over twee eeuwen nog over Mandela gesproken worden, in tegenstelling tot de Trumps, Putins en Erdogans van deze wereld die het niet begrepen hebben. In zijn eigen woorden: “Goede leiders zijn zich er volkomen van bewust dat het wegnemen van spanningen in een samenleving, van welke aard dan ook, creatieve denkers alle ruimte geeft door een ideale omgeving te scheppen voor mannen en vrouwen met een visie die invloed kan hebben op de samenleving. Extremisten gedijen daarentegen bij spanning en onderling wantrouwen. Helder denken en goed plannen is nooit hun wapen geweest.” (p.84)
Mooi boek, al is het geen eenvoudig te lezen boek. Maar dat is eigenlijk ook vrij logisch. De conversie van Apartheid naar eenheid kan nooit in Jip- en Janneke taal worden beschreven.
Citaat: “Onze emoties zeiden: ‘De witte minderheid is de een vijand. We moeten nooit met ze praten.’ Maar ons verstand zei: ‘Als je niet met deze man praat, zal ons land in vlammen opgaan en zal dit land nog vele jaren overspoeld worden door de rivieren van bloed.’ We moesten dat conflict dus oplossen, en dat we met de vijand zijn gaan praten, kwam doordat we ons verstand lieten domineren over onze emoties.” (p.234)
Tweede tegenvaller bleek de zwaarte van de tekst. Dit is geen leesboek, dit is een naslagwerk. De hoeveelheid voetnoten werd alleen overtroffen door de eindnoten, bijna 600 in totaal, alleen al daarvoor zijn meer dan 20 bladzijden nodig. Het was even een opgave om het boek door te werken. Maar toen ik me daarop eenmaal had ingesteld, wist waaraan ik was begonnen, was het vooral erg boeiend om te lezen over de jaren dat Mandela het nieuwe Zuid-Afrika mocht opbouwen.
Omdat het over vrij recente geschiedenis gaat, weet je automatisch iets meer dan wanneer je over andere historische politici leest. Daarbij reisde ik ooit een paar weken door zijn land. Maar zijn prestatie kan niet genoeg geprezen worden. Niet alleen werd hij president na drie decennia in de gevangenis te hebben gezeten, hij moest het hele land omvormen. Meer dan dat, als je leest over het opbouwen van een ambtenarenapparaat, over het samenvoegen van voorheen op voet van oorlog verkerende strijdtroepen, over zijn bewust gekozen brede regenboogcoalitie, dan zie je wat een ongelooflijke prestatie Mandela heeft geleverd.
Het boek beschrijft tot in details over de opbouw van het nieuwe Zuid-Afrika, soms tot aan vervelens toe, vele ministers zijn niet meer dan een voetnoot in de geschiedenis, maar krijgen toch een alinea, een bladzijde. Voeg dat samen met de bijna wetenschappelijke benadering van de schrijver, men zal snappen dat dit niet een boek is voor naast het zwembad tijdens een zomervakantie.
Met afstand het meest indrukwekkende hoofdstuk was het verhaal van de verzoening. Mandela begreep dat hij het land in een burgeroorlog zou storten wanneer hij meteen na de afschaffing van de apartheid namens de zwarte meerderheid alle macht naar zich toe zou trekken. Want ook al was de blanke bevolking een kleine minderheid, de economische macht, het opleidingsniveau, de militaire kracht, alles was terug te vinden bij die kleine groep. Hij had die groep dus nodig. En dus ging hij om tafel met de politici die hem hadden opgesloten. Liet hij de rechtspraak aan corrupte rechters die volgens nieuwe, grotendeels nog te ontwerpen wetten, moesten rechtspreken. Racistische politiemensen behielden hun baan. Een waarheids- en verzoeningscommissie moest in kaart brengen welke misdaden er allemaal waren gepleegd in naam van de Apartheid. Maar dankzij een ruimhartige amnestie konden velen een straf ontlopen. Juist deze niet eenvoudige verzoening zorgde ervoor dat Zuid-Afrika een nieuw land werd voor alle inwoners, een land met veel problemen, maar desalniettemin een eenheid. Een wankele eenheid, maar toch. In mijn beleving was dit de enige juiste beslissing, de enige mogelijke manier om verder te gaan. Juist daarom zal er over twee eeuwen nog over Mandela gesproken worden, in tegenstelling tot de Trumps, Putins en Erdogans van deze wereld die het niet begrepen hebben. In zijn eigen woorden: “Goede leiders zijn zich er volkomen van bewust dat het wegnemen van spanningen in een samenleving, van welke aard dan ook, creatieve denkers alle ruimte geeft door een ideale omgeving te scheppen voor mannen en vrouwen met een visie die invloed kan hebben op de samenleving. Extremisten gedijen daarentegen bij spanning en onderling wantrouwen. Helder denken en goed plannen is nooit hun wapen geweest.” (p.84)
Mooi boek, al is het geen eenvoudig te lezen boek. Maar dat is eigenlijk ook vrij logisch. De conversie van Apartheid naar eenheid kan nooit in Jip- en Janneke taal worden beschreven.
Citaat: “Onze emoties zeiden: ‘De witte minderheid is de een vijand. We moeten nooit met ze praten.’ Maar ons verstand zei: ‘Als je niet met deze man praat, zal ons land in vlammen opgaan en zal dit land nog vele jaren overspoeld worden door de rivieren van bloed.’ We moesten dat conflict dus oplossen, en dat we met de vijand zijn gaan praten, kwam doordat we ons verstand lieten domineren over onze emoties.” (p.234)
December 11, 2017
http://jessjustreads.com
Dare Not Linger began as Nelson Mandela’s unfinished handwritten memoir and was completed by South African novelist Mandla Langa. Because of Mandela’s age and ill health, he was unable to finish his manuscript and he died in 2013. But now in 2017, the sequel to Long Walk to Freedom has finally been finished and published.
This memoir details Mandela’s five years as South Africa’s president after the collapse of apartheid — it begins just as he is leaving prison after spending 27 years incarcerated for fighting white minority rule. In 1994, he became South Africa’s first democratically elected President. He pledged that he would only serve for five years.
“Mandela’s personal warmth towards people from all walks of life, from gardeners, cleaners, clerks and typists to those in the most senior roles, did not go unnoticed. Those who came across him in the course of their work describe him as generous, self-effacing and easy-going: a man who knew how to be an ordinary person.”
Mandela wrote 10 chapters of his memoir, and Mandla was brought in to write the remaining chapters. Mandla used a lot of research, interviews and notes to complete the book, managing to bring the rest of Mandela’s story to the page.
Dare Not Linger allows for Mandela’s thoughts on certain political matters - which weren’t previously known - to come to the forefront. He had a strained relationship with former president FW de Klerk, and reading the book allows us to see just how frustrated Mandela was. We also learn about Mandela’s marriage breakdown with Winnie Mandela, and the strain that this put on Mandela’s role as the President.
I did feel like this book was rather dense, and at times I found it a struggle to read. The reader does have to have some sort of understanding about South African politics in order to understand the references in the book, and sometimes I felt like parts of the book were just going over my head.
“Mandela’s tendency to canvass for views outside conventional circles was perhaps controversial. He didn’t hesitate to call to a meeting anyone he deemed suitable to throw light onto a subject…this gravitational pull towards people was mutual; people from all corners of society wished to interact with him and vice versa.”
Mandela was a fantastic communicator, and at times, friend. He was grateful for what he had — he insisted on making his own hotel bed, and he always cleaned his own shoes on a plane. Whilst his personality doesn’t really come through in his memoirs, it is external observations of him that allow us to get a sense of who Mandela really was. He was comfortable with forgiveness, and generous in his teachings.
"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended."
This book is dense and requires a fair bit of effort to read. I only recommend this to readers who are genuinely interested in his presidential years (because that’s really all this book covers - it rarely talks about anything else but politics). Overall, it’s really inspiring to read this because Nelson Mandela was a truly unique leader.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dare Not Linger began as Nelson Mandela’s unfinished handwritten memoir and was completed by South African novelist Mandla Langa. Because of Mandela’s age and ill health, he was unable to finish his manuscript and he died in 2013. But now in 2017, the sequel to Long Walk to Freedom has finally been finished and published.
This memoir details Mandela’s five years as South Africa’s president after the collapse of apartheid — it begins just as he is leaving prison after spending 27 years incarcerated for fighting white minority rule. In 1994, he became South Africa’s first democratically elected President. He pledged that he would only serve for five years.
“Mandela’s personal warmth towards people from all walks of life, from gardeners, cleaners, clerks and typists to those in the most senior roles, did not go unnoticed. Those who came across him in the course of their work describe him as generous, self-effacing and easy-going: a man who knew how to be an ordinary person.”
Mandela wrote 10 chapters of his memoir, and Mandla was brought in to write the remaining chapters. Mandla used a lot of research, interviews and notes to complete the book, managing to bring the rest of Mandela’s story to the page.
Dare Not Linger allows for Mandela’s thoughts on certain political matters - which weren’t previously known - to come to the forefront. He had a strained relationship with former president FW de Klerk, and reading the book allows us to see just how frustrated Mandela was. We also learn about Mandela’s marriage breakdown with Winnie Mandela, and the strain that this put on Mandela’s role as the President.
I did feel like this book was rather dense, and at times I found it a struggle to read. The reader does have to have some sort of understanding about South African politics in order to understand the references in the book, and sometimes I felt like parts of the book were just going over my head.
“Mandela’s tendency to canvass for views outside conventional circles was perhaps controversial. He didn’t hesitate to call to a meeting anyone he deemed suitable to throw light onto a subject…this gravitational pull towards people was mutual; people from all corners of society wished to interact with him and vice versa.”
Mandela was a fantastic communicator, and at times, friend. He was grateful for what he had — he insisted on making his own hotel bed, and he always cleaned his own shoes on a plane. Whilst his personality doesn’t really come through in his memoirs, it is external observations of him that allow us to get a sense of who Mandela really was. He was comfortable with forgiveness, and generous in his teachings.
"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended."
This book is dense and requires a fair bit of effort to read. I only recommend this to readers who are genuinely interested in his presidential years (because that’s really all this book covers - it rarely talks about anything else but politics). Overall, it’s really inspiring to read this because Nelson Mandela was a truly unique leader.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
‘Dare Not Linger’ takes its title from Nelson Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ where he reflects that “I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come[s] responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.’
It deals with Mandela’s period in office as the first President of post-apartheid South Africa (1994-1999), and the manuscript for what became this book was begun by Mandela himself, writing ten chapters, and has been expertly completed by Mandla Langa using those ten chapters and other materials left by Mandela, so that roughly a third of the text is autobiographical.
It is easy to forget just how many problems South Africa faced when Mandela took charge. Fragile national unity could have easily fractured irrevocably given the often widely divergent aims of Mandela’s African National Congress, de Klerk’s National Party, Chief Buthelezei’s Inkatha Freedom Party and the Pan-Africanist Congress. Any white flight would have jeopardized economic growth whilst continued white dominance of the army and police, especially in its upper reaches, would only breed increased resentment on the part of the black majority given the institutionalized racism of the past. Not only was the past poisonous but the future was equally problematic given inflated expectations of rapid reforms in housing, health and education for the black masses as well as plentiful potentially destabilizing rhetoric regarding the redistribution of wealth.
The South Africa which Mandela passed on to Thabo Mbecki (although the book shows he personally favoured Cyril Ramaphosa as his successor) was very far from perfect but was much more politically stable than would have been the case without Mandela’s inspired leadership, which shines through this text.
‘Dare Not Linger’ is, nevertheless, less inspiring than ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ because the tale it has to tell, whilst at least as important, is much more complex and the distinction between heroes and villains much more muddied. In short, this is an important book about the development of South Africa and the formal apex of Mandela’s political career but is unlikely to match the sorts of sales enjoyed by his first volume of autobiography.
It deals with Mandela’s period in office as the first President of post-apartheid South Africa (1994-1999), and the manuscript for what became this book was begun by Mandela himself, writing ten chapters, and has been expertly completed by Mandla Langa using those ten chapters and other materials left by Mandela, so that roughly a third of the text is autobiographical.
It is easy to forget just how many problems South Africa faced when Mandela took charge. Fragile national unity could have easily fractured irrevocably given the often widely divergent aims of Mandela’s African National Congress, de Klerk’s National Party, Chief Buthelezei’s Inkatha Freedom Party and the Pan-Africanist Congress. Any white flight would have jeopardized economic growth whilst continued white dominance of the army and police, especially in its upper reaches, would only breed increased resentment on the part of the black majority given the institutionalized racism of the past. Not only was the past poisonous but the future was equally problematic given inflated expectations of rapid reforms in housing, health and education for the black masses as well as plentiful potentially destabilizing rhetoric regarding the redistribution of wealth.
The South Africa which Mandela passed on to Thabo Mbecki (although the book shows he personally favoured Cyril Ramaphosa as his successor) was very far from perfect but was much more politically stable than would have been the case without Mandela’s inspired leadership, which shines through this text.
‘Dare Not Linger’ is, nevertheless, less inspiring than ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ because the tale it has to tell, whilst at least as important, is much more complex and the distinction between heroes and villains much more muddied. In short, this is an important book about the development of South Africa and the formal apex of Mandela’s political career but is unlikely to match the sorts of sales enjoyed by his first volume of autobiography.
April 19, 2021
- "To be great is to be misunderstood" (Thomas Edison)
- Robin Island, Pollsmore Prison, Frederik Willem Declerc removed the ban on the ANC
- Had a strict exercise regime, made his bed, washed the dishes, was a boxer
- In seeking to expose himself to all the groups of people within society he hoped to be not only the president of the ANC but of all South Africa: "The people have spoken in these elections, they want change and they will what they have asked for"
- Government of national unity: he had the ability or the inability of taking anyone or anything for granted
- For his inauguration he invited world leaders like Castro and Arafat as well as inviting all African leaders
- In his inaugural address he said that he hoped to "Strengthen our confidence in the nobility of the human soul", "To lead our country out of the heart of darkness"
- Mandela became the worldwide figure in the fight against injustice
- Extremists thrive on tension and mutual distrust
- Easing tensions within society encourages creative thinking
- World peace is the cornerstone of national and international relations
- Seneca: "He who dreads hostility too much is unfit too rule"
- To bring about a change in the constitution: Mandela was involved in the process and the subject matter
- Mandela studied law in jail and completed a law degree after finishing his sentence
- Sophocles: "What people believe prevails over the truth"
- White prison staff manned the prison: James Baldwin - "Ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have"
- Nelson Mandela became a symbol as universal as coca-cola: embraced his erstwhile jailers, humanised his enemies
- 1913: British colonialism endorsed 15% white minority to 87% of the land whilst the black majority occupied less than 13% and were forced to live in squalor and poverty
- Mandela opted for reconciliation rather than reprisal
- Robin Island, Pollsmore Prison, Frederik Willem Declerc removed the ban on the ANC
- Had a strict exercise regime, made his bed, washed the dishes, was a boxer
- In seeking to expose himself to all the groups of people within society he hoped to be not only the president of the ANC but of all South Africa: "The people have spoken in these elections, they want change and they will what they have asked for"
- Government of national unity: he had the ability or the inability of taking anyone or anything for granted
- For his inauguration he invited world leaders like Castro and Arafat as well as inviting all African leaders
- In his inaugural address he said that he hoped to "Strengthen our confidence in the nobility of the human soul", "To lead our country out of the heart of darkness"
- Mandela became the worldwide figure in the fight against injustice
- Extremists thrive on tension and mutual distrust
- Easing tensions within society encourages creative thinking
- World peace is the cornerstone of national and international relations
- Seneca: "He who dreads hostility too much is unfit too rule"
- To bring about a change in the constitution: Mandela was involved in the process and the subject matter
- Mandela studied law in jail and completed a law degree after finishing his sentence
- Sophocles: "What people believe prevails over the truth"
- White prison staff manned the prison: James Baldwin - "Ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have"
- Nelson Mandela became a symbol as universal as coca-cola: embraced his erstwhile jailers, humanised his enemies
- 1913: British colonialism endorsed 15% white minority to 87% of the land whilst the black majority occupied less than 13% and were forced to live in squalor and poverty
- Mandela opted for reconciliation rather than reprisal
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
Hi,
I hope all is progressing well.
Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years by Nelson Mandela and Mandla Langa is like a ledger of a memoir concerning Nelson Mandela's life primarily in connection with developing South Africa on his way to becoming president, as president, and post presidency. When perusing books in a Mona English Bookstore, I decide to buy then read Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years by Nelson Mandela and Mandla Langa because of being more aware of the name than the person or anything in connection with the person (of who I come to learn of as an integral part of history). I'm Haitian and (quite aware of my Haitian history) learn so much of elements establishing a country functionally in tandem with the global collective (even in contrast to growing beyond a state of apartheid—which I think any country that experiences a form of colonialism or social intranational drama might be able to comprehend) from the book which makes me greatly consider how a/ nation(s) and/or person/people may progress well after obtaining a/ freedom(s) then entering (if not already within) a global collective atmosphere of different socio-economic happenings as well as progressions (especially considering a period [of history] when/where/how such may occur). I enjoy reading Nelson Mandela's speeches as well as appreciate his approache(s) to navigating toward a better future for all willing to be proactive toward a better future (of which I feel I experience evidence of through glimpses of Nelson Mandela's presidency), knowing that consistent-good efforts may take time to prove effective.
Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest
I hope all is progressing well.
Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years by Nelson Mandela and Mandla Langa is like a ledger of a memoir concerning Nelson Mandela's life primarily in connection with developing South Africa on his way to becoming president, as president, and post presidency. When perusing books in a Mona English Bookstore, I decide to buy then read Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years by Nelson Mandela and Mandla Langa because of being more aware of the name than the person or anything in connection with the person (of who I come to learn of as an integral part of history). I'm Haitian and (quite aware of my Haitian history) learn so much of elements establishing a country functionally in tandem with the global collective (even in contrast to growing beyond a state of apartheid—which I think any country that experiences a form of colonialism or social intranational drama might be able to comprehend) from the book which makes me greatly consider how a/ nation(s) and/or person/people may progress well after obtaining a/ freedom(s) then entering (if not already within) a global collective atmosphere of different socio-economic happenings as well as progressions (especially considering a period [of history] when/where/how such may occur). I enjoy reading Nelson Mandela's speeches as well as appreciate his approache(s) to navigating toward a better future for all willing to be proactive toward a better future (of which I feel I experience evidence of through glimpses of Nelson Mandela's presidency), knowing that consistent-good efforts may take time to prove effective.
Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest
August 20, 2020
El Color de la Libertad, el manuscrito que relata la historia de humildad y reconciliación que Nelson Mandela obsequió al mundo y en especial a los personajes políticos y de legado cultural del siglo XX y los que vienen. Decir de Mandela sería interminable, me llama demasiado la atención su fortaleza y su resiliencia, aguantar maltratos inhumanos durante 27 años de encarcelamiento para defender su causa, pero sobretodo sus principios, la capacidad de personar y tratar de entender a sus verdugos para poder a través del ejemplo convertir a un país golpeado por el racismo y la discrimination en un país del nuevo mundo pero sobretodo un país con igualdad y respeto, de los 13 capítulos el de la reconciliación es una obra magistral, Mandela no solo entendía sino que era consciente del gran peligro que significa para nuestra sociedad cuando el poder se le da a una persona ignorante. De este libro para los latinos que viviremos hoy el desastre corrupto desvergonzado, hay esperanza que aún queda gente que quiere hacer las cosas de una manera honesta y justa, pero sobretodo gente que de verdad cree en la integridad y el esfuerzo para el desarrollo justo y digno de nuestras naciones. Solo me queda un detalle que nunca entenderé de este personaje y es cómo podía tener admiración por la escoria Castro comunista y sus tentáculos de engaño, pero bueno si Mandela enseñó algo al mundo es que el hombre debe aprender de sus errores, por todo lo demás el legado de este hombre es y será infinito en la historia de su país y de toda la tierra!
Read
September 2, 2023This is a biography focusing on Mandela’s presidential years. It is based on drafts of ten chapters Mandela had composed before his death but was sadly unable to complete. It thus reads very differently from his inspiring autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, which covers his life up to his inauguration as President, including his 27 years of imprisonment. But this is still an invaluable historical record of his amazing achievements under incredibly adverse circumstances.
The title is especially poignant, echoing these words from Long Walk:
"The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."
He gave his life to the struggle. May every reader finish the last page with renewed resolve to keep his magnificent spirit alive.
The title is especially poignant, echoing these words from Long Walk:
"The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."
He gave his life to the struggle. May every reader finish the last page with renewed resolve to keep his magnificent spirit alive.
September 16, 2020
Let’s be clear: firstly, to clarify I really enjoyed reading more about NM, and the terrific amount of significant things he did for South Africa and indeed the world throughout his time on this earth. My rating is not about him. I don’t know much about this period of world history and thanks to this boom am keen to know more.
Secondly, when I say “read” I actually mean “listened” to this book. This surely changes anyone’s impression on a book and how it comes across.
Thirdly: I didn’t love this book.
Why? It doesn’t come across like a pure autobiography, where the musings of the person are clearly articulated from their own prose and through their (or a supporting writer’s) fingers on the keyboard. I understand because NM passed away whilst writing his memoir (as a sequel to a Long Walk to Freedom which I’ve not read yet!), this book was ‘filled out’ with interviews, speeches and other content.
This clearly changes how it reads: like a bunch of poignant speeches all looped together with a bit of (interesting!) joining text in between. It reads like a colossal newspaper article. It just didn’t flow, especially the fact it was read aloud by an actor (?) who tried to sound like NM, and then bits were read in a neutral, UK accent. A single sentence might chop between them 2-3 times, back and forth from one voice to another that was just plain irritating.
Merit to hearing more about the great man and the dark, troubled, inspiring chapter in recent history.
Secondly, when I say “read” I actually mean “listened” to this book. This surely changes anyone’s impression on a book and how it comes across.
Thirdly: I didn’t love this book.
Why? It doesn’t come across like a pure autobiography, where the musings of the person are clearly articulated from their own prose and through their (or a supporting writer’s) fingers on the keyboard. I understand because NM passed away whilst writing his memoir (as a sequel to a Long Walk to Freedom which I’ve not read yet!), this book was ‘filled out’ with interviews, speeches and other content.
This clearly changes how it reads: like a bunch of poignant speeches all looped together with a bit of (interesting!) joining text in between. It reads like a colossal newspaper article. It just didn’t flow, especially the fact it was read aloud by an actor (?) who tried to sound like NM, and then bits were read in a neutral, UK accent. A single sentence might chop between them 2-3 times, back and forth from one voice to another that was just plain irritating.
Merit to hearing more about the great man and the dark, troubled, inspiring chapter in recent history.
November 13, 2018
I do not regret picking up the book even though I once told myself I will not bother with any Mandela book. I can say the book chose me as a colleague, who is not a reader, decided to lend me the book. It is about the late Nelson Mandela's years in office as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. Even though completed by now Dr. Mandla Langa, I did not feel at any point reading a different voice.
Highlights were insights into Mandela's mind as far as his thinking was concerned and getting to know the real reason Mangosuthu Buthelezi attacked Lesotho as a stand in President in Mandela's absence. I was also shocked to learn how the original Inkatha was formed and for what reason. So if you really care about history and the ANC in particular, then you will enjoy the book. It looks intimidating in size but it is very short. I took long to finish as I read two other books in between. It was just because I could do something more than anything :-)
Highlights were insights into Mandela's mind as far as his thinking was concerned and getting to know the real reason Mangosuthu Buthelezi attacked Lesotho as a stand in President in Mandela's absence. I was also shocked to learn how the original Inkatha was formed and for what reason. So if you really care about history and the ANC in particular, then you will enjoy the book. It looks intimidating in size but it is very short. I took long to finish as I read two other books in between. It was just because I could do something more than anything :-)
March 13, 2022
EL COLOR DE LA LIBERTAD-NELSON MANDELA. En la parte final de El largo camino hacia la libertad, Madiba escribió y cito: “He recorrido un largo camino hacia la libertad… pero solo puedo descansar un instante, ya que la libertad trae consigo responsabilidades y no me atrevo a quedarme rezagado. Mi largo camino aún no ha terminado” Este libro, es la continuación de sus memorias y el relato su obra y vida como primer presidente democrático de Sudáfrica, su gobierno y trabajo de reconstrucción social y moral en un país destruido por el Apartheid. Madiba concebía la libertad como un bien por el que había que luchar diariamente, por la propia y de cada ciudadano, ya que todos forman uno y la libertad de uno es la de todos.
Nos enseña un legado de perdón y compasión, que después de tantas humillaciones y cautiverio, viéndose investido de su condición de presidente, jamás la utilizo para beneficios o placeres personales o venganzas, más bien olvidó los rencores del pasado e invitó a todos a formar parte de la gran nación que planeaba construir.
Es también un claro ejemplo de que más que llegar, lo importante es mantenerse y que la labor de corregir errores del pasado es algo que requiere paciencia, trabajo duro y colaboración, ya que no se logra de un día para otro.
En la parte final Madiba lanza un designio a las generaciones presentes y venideras, invitándoles a continuar trabajando para construir un mundo de mejores oportunidades para todos, al escribir: El largo amino continúa…
Este libro es una joya, SÚPER RECOMENDADO✨
Alma’Antigua💋
#Is⚖️🌎
Nos enseña un legado de perdón y compasión, que después de tantas humillaciones y cautiverio, viéndose investido de su condición de presidente, jamás la utilizo para beneficios o placeres personales o venganzas, más bien olvidó los rencores del pasado e invitó a todos a formar parte de la gran nación que planeaba construir.
Es también un claro ejemplo de que más que llegar, lo importante es mantenerse y que la labor de corregir errores del pasado es algo que requiere paciencia, trabajo duro y colaboración, ya que no se logra de un día para otro.
En la parte final Madiba lanza un designio a las generaciones presentes y venideras, invitándoles a continuar trabajando para construir un mundo de mejores oportunidades para todos, al escribir: El largo amino continúa…
Este libro es una joya, SÚPER RECOMENDADO✨
Alma’Antigua💋
#Is⚖️🌎
April 5, 2023
Este libro relata los años de la presidencia de Mandela a través de los escritos dejados por Mandela: varios capítulos escritos por Madiba con tal ves la intencionalidad de escribir algo más pero que nunca se concreto. Es a través de estos capítulos, que Mandla Langa explora la historia y complementa los capítulos de Mandela a traves de su investigación. Sin embargo, debo confesar que para una persona externa a la política de Sudáfrica, este libro puede ser algo pesado y lento. Llegamos a conocer los hechos, tal ves demasiado detallados de toda la política del CNA (partido gobernante) y las gestiones y relaciones durante los años de presidencia de Mandela. Definitivamente recomendable para un estudioso de la política sudafricana y tal ves Africana en general por las implicaciones de este movimiento en otros países colindantes, pero en general, tal ves este no es el libro para alguien que sólo tiene curiosidad sobre Nelson Mandela en general.
February 18, 2018
An enlightening account of the early democracy period, told from the perspective of the noble Madiba. A must read for all South African millennials as it provides clarity on a period many of us were too young to know or remember, but the clarity, facts and history are parts of our past that must be known and understood to appreciate our present reality and freedom; as well as to understand the root cause to our socio-economic problems of poverty and crime.
Written in the format of chapters and segments, rather than chronological, it reads like a candid history lesson, sprinkled with nuances of magical moments. It also includes a vast array of moving speeches from Mandela, a treasure in itself. My recommendation is that it should be made a high school set work or at least textbook for all South African students. #mandlalanga
Written in the format of chapters and segments, rather than chronological, it reads like a candid history lesson, sprinkled with nuances of magical moments. It also includes a vast array of moving speeches from Mandela, a treasure in itself. My recommendation is that it should be made a high school set work or at least textbook for all South African students. #mandlalanga
April 5, 2018
(A copy of this review can also be found here: beautifulilies.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/dare-not-linger-the-presidential-years-by-nelson-mandela-and-mandla-langa/).
It's always difficult finishing the works of someone who has since passed, but Mandla Langa does a great job. That said, Dare Not Linger does still rely heavily on factual information which is in complete juxtaposition to the emotion in Long Walk to Freedom.
I would recommend this biography more for people who are heavily invested in politics, particularly that of South African politics. I know little about South African politics, so in this sense, Dare Not Linger was somewhat difficult for me to read and fully comprehend.
It's always difficult finishing the works of someone who has since passed, but Mandla Langa does a great job. That said, Dare Not Linger does still rely heavily on factual information which is in complete juxtaposition to the emotion in Long Walk to Freedom.
I would recommend this biography more for people who are heavily invested in politics, particularly that of South African politics. I know little about South African politics, so in this sense, Dare Not Linger was somewhat difficult for me to read and fully comprehend.
June 7, 2020
It's a difficult book to rate. Who wouldn't be drawn to knowing more about Mandela, a man the world has idolised and South Africa's Tata Madiba? The legendary figure who ushered us into democracy, with the ardent, relentless pursuit of a South Africa that "belongs to all who live in it". I reveled in reading "Conversations With Myself", a collection of Madiba's writings that offered a rare view of the man he was and perhaps I was looking for that sort of insight here.
Unfortunately the book often reads like a textbook and the elements that stay with you are those of Mandela's speeches or the words that he penned himself. Parts of the book are laborious don't necessarily offer greater insight into this great man.
Unfortunately the book often reads like a textbook and the elements that stay with you are those of Mandela's speeches or the words that he penned himself. Parts of the book are laborious don't necessarily offer greater insight into this great man.
September 3, 2023
Certainly very informative, especially on the years preceding the first free elections and the years of the first ANC government.
However, I have missed getting more of a personal view directly from Mandela and also a reflection, looking back about the success and failures of his government on many crucial policies, rather than just their recounting.
Nevertheless, I do feel like I have learnt a lot - the book is full of important names, events, reforms, etc which are commonly heard of in South Africa even today and I am glad that this book has given me a better grasp of them. Therefore, the book was a great one for an outsider like me into understanding the crucial years which have shaped the South Africa which it is today.
However, I have missed getting more of a personal view directly from Mandela and also a reflection, looking back about the success and failures of his government on many crucial policies, rather than just their recounting.
Nevertheless, I do feel like I have learnt a lot - the book is full of important names, events, reforms, etc which are commonly heard of in South Africa even today and I am glad that this book has given me a better grasp of them. Therefore, the book was a great one for an outsider like me into understanding the crucial years which have shaped the South Africa which it is today.
March 14, 2018
Nelson Mandela is an incredible person, that's why I'm giving this book 4 stars. If it wasn’t for him, it would probably garner a 2- or 3-star rating. Because of the writing: jumped around a lot, used terms that ordinary non-political people do not understand, vague, and honestly, a little boring. Which I don't know how a book about Mandela could possibly be boring, but there it is. And even though he was an amazing person and president, did he ever do anything wrong? Because according to the writer, no. Overall, though, anyone who has any interest in South Africa and Mandela should probably read this book.
January 3, 2019
An excellent look at Mandela's presidential years. There are definitely a lot of acronyms and names that would not be familiar for North American readers, which can make it tough to follow what is going on.
It truly is an amazing experience to reflect on the life and the leadership of a great (but not perfect) man who helped usher in a new area of peace. I love his focus on reconciliation, which was practical, but also an amazing commitment to the sanctity of the human spirit and the humility it takes to recognize that we are all flawed.
Well worth the read. Now planning on reading the other one on my list: Long Walk to Freedom.
It truly is an amazing experience to reflect on the life and the leadership of a great (but not perfect) man who helped usher in a new area of peace. I love his focus on reconciliation, which was practical, but also an amazing commitment to the sanctity of the human spirit and the humility it takes to recognize that we are all flawed.
Well worth the read. Now planning on reading the other one on my list: Long Walk to Freedom.
April 24, 2022
Dare Not Linger reads like an unedited documentary. Raw material awaiting refinement to metamorphosize into something better but because you have seen it in its most primitive form its allure is extinguished.
So what makes this particular biography such a pain to read? It is based on personal interviews and briefings with Nelson Mandela as well as an unfinished memoir made by the man himself. It is haphazard and retains no comprehensive structure. The narrative is ordered but a hot mess. Nonetheless it provides some interesting snippets in Mandela's life outside prison and also provides a rare insight into his politics.
Good for historians; not for amateurs.
So what makes this particular biography such a pain to read? It is based on personal interviews and briefings with Nelson Mandela as well as an unfinished memoir made by the man himself. It is haphazard and retains no comprehensive structure. The narrative is ordered but a hot mess. Nonetheless it provides some interesting snippets in Mandela's life outside prison and also provides a rare insight into his politics.
Good for historians; not for amateurs.
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