Reflections on leadership: Stories from Nelson Mandela's life

On a rainy day in 1995, former President Nelson Mandela, who had just returned from a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II aboard the royal yacht, requested an all-weather coat, gumboots and an umbrella from his lawyer, Linda Zama. This request came while the guests of the dinner were being escorted out. The following morning, Zama contacted a men's boutique in Durban to purchase these items.

Impressed by her request, the manager of the boutique laid a red carpet at the door and ensured everything was ready by morning. Mandela, always eager to be an ordinary person, then decided to go shopping himself in central Durban, insisting on carrying his purchases. At home, Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel, often shared stories about the ordinary person they believed he was.

Zama recounted one such story about Mandela questioning whether the good things people said about him were true. In response, Graça told him that they definitely meant what they said about him. This ordinary individual, who merely wished to be ordinary, was a lesson in humility for Zama. She emphasized that Mandela never wanted to be placed on a pedestal, preferring instead for people to internalize his values and make a small contribution.

In an interview, Zama highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community, regardless of age or political differences, a sentiment she believes has been eroding in her country. She expressed concern about the lack of community spirit in South Africa.