Neil's blog

Let’s see how quickly I can tune you out with words!? Courageous leadership, World Cup in South Africa, Racism, Bigotry, Hope, an Inspirational book & movie. Anyone still reading? These are some of the ingredients in ‘Invictus’, soon to be released on dvd. Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela who, against the better judgement of all his fellow blacks, chose to get right behind the white man’s pride & joy, The Springboks, in their attempt to win the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

Mandela spent 30 years imprisoned on Robin Island studying his guards behaviour, understanding his enemies so that one day he could convert them into friends. He didn’t allow himself to be swayed by anger, bitterness, a sense of injustice, or by those closest to him, who thought he was nuts! He saw that one of the few things, which could unite his fragmented nation, careering headlong into civil war & destruction, was South Africa lifting the Rugby World Cup. It was a tall order to convert black South Africans into Springbok supporters, indeed before the World Cup they would enthusiastically support anyone playing against the Springboks! But Mandela invested much of his energy & time getting to know the Springbok team & in Francois Piennar (played by Matt Damon), their captain, he found an excellent ally & solid leader of men.

I remember well crying in 1995 as I watched Nelson Mandela present the World Cup trophy to the Springboks for their narrow victory over New Zealand. I continue to marvel at the leadership of this man who, like Jesus Christ, saw our only future in making friends out of our enemies. Will our own politicians manage to overcome prejudice & narrowness of thought to work together in a hung parliament; will church leaders, council & local community leaders put aside self interest & courageously show us the way to build up our communities, inspiring us to care for one another? Time will tell.

As Jesus Christ & Nelson Mandela proved, the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him your friend! Invictus, rent & watch it, be inspired! (out on June 14th)