A resurfaced video of Nelson Mandela speaking fluent Afrikaans and joking with a crowd is trending on social media, sparking reactions from South Africans.
The clip has left many viewers divided.
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In the clip, Mandela commands the crowd with ease, joking in Afrikaans as if it were second nature. View video here.
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Commenters shared mixed views on the late statesman’s fluency in the language. Some argued he went too far to reconcile with white South Africans, claiming he gave away too much for too little in return. Some were highly impressed by how the language flowed from his tongue with ease.
As reported by Briefly News, others noted that after his release from Robben Island, Mandela rarely spoke isiXhosa publicly, contrary to what many expected.
The video quickly reignited debate over his legacy and language choices, with emotions running high on both sides.
Speaking to Briefly News, @lord_meister who shared the clip, clarified that stirring division was never the goal.
Despite being accused by some for stroking racial hatred using his account, he stated that he stays deliberately neutral.
Also see: Mandela’s daughter to auction off his valuables
Undoubtedly, the video did not fail to get many talking, with some internet users expressing themselves in the comments.
“What a great man, what a great man,” said one user.
Another user said: “After many years in prison torture and humiliation, hearing him speak colonizers language and laughing with the same people that put him in jail…that’s when I knew he sold us out.”
“They clap because they cheated this man in his own country” read another comment.
“ I have respect for this man” commented another user.
This online debate also comes as Winnie Mandela’s legacy trends on social media following the release of Netflix docuseries The Trials of Winnie Mandela.
Also see: Netflix docuseries on Winnie Mandela shares essence of her iconic impact
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