This is a picture of a map that I found at “Odds & Ends” –  a furniture, antiques and curios store in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a map of Africa. Madiba’s land.

We lived for two years in South Africa. We were fortunate to be present when the preparations for the Football World Cup, 2010 were in progress. The country amazed and impressed us in so many ways. Natural beauty and wildlife apart, the varied culture of the peoples all coming together to make the Rainbow Nation was incredible. Their will to showcase to the world an Africa that is not about violence and apartheid, an Africa that is secular in every sense, an Africa proud of its people and itself was a show of solidarity unparalleled, I would think, in peace times, anywhere in the world. Their enthusiasm and hard work paid off handsomely. The world cup experience changed the perspective of the world.

Yet, we felt that the country was precariously poised. It could take off and soar gloriously into the rainbow it prided itself on. It could fall into anarchy, poverty, greed and become just another has been nation. The political scenario was changing. The attitude of people was changing. The economics was changing. Since we left, we have returned again and again. Africa is not a land for the faint hearted. You love it or hate it. There are no half measures. We love it. But we are also very saddened at the direction the land and its people seem to have chosen. There is still time to turn this tide of self destruction. Many countries across the world have made the same mistakes. This wonderful land could learn from that … the people can put country before self. They have had the best possible example of selflessness in Mr.Nelson Mandela …

In the frenzy of invitations that social networking throws into my inbox, I got an invite today. Petitions from various groups are often for saving the child, the poor, the downtrodden, the nearly extinct. For justice, for world peace. This time, it was slightly different. It was more of a petition to just express a personal opinion on the web. Here is the link, if you would like to add your thoughts …

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/902/069/598/?z00m=20681404

I thought of sharing my post here but have decided against. Mr.Mandela has expressed it so much better than I ever can. He has also seen the edge of the precipice that South Africa, indeed all of Africa, is standing on today. I can only hope that his appeal is heard and his advice taken …