Mandela should be left in peace.

Source: Google

 

I always get disturbed with how the South African media publicizes Nelson Mandela’s private life. The 94 year old former president and Noble peace prize winner has been in and out of hospital for the past 10 months as he is fighting an lung infection.

It’s been just over three weeks after Madiba was discharged from hospital, (for the third time in five months) and no one seems to be taking into consideration that the aging former president retired from public life over a decade ago. As an iconic figure, Mandela’s rights must be respected and his health shouldn’t be publicized as he like any South African is entitled to right to privacy.

 This however is not what seems to be happening. Mandela’s home have become a ‘media play ground’ where journalists just budge in search of a ‘headliner’. Recently he was visited by President Jacob Zuma at his Johannesburg home and the SABC crew was present and they filmed the Presidents’ meeting.  According to an article published by News24 on April 29^th, 2013, Mandela didn’t like the idea of the media filming his private life and it is also reported that he hardly responded to the question posed towards him.

Now that is clear that Tata Mandela didn’t like the whole proceeding, why then did the SABC go ahead and publish the video? Yes he is a public figure, but to disrespect him like this is so uncalled for. If he is a reputable figure we know him to be then why don’t we give him the respect that he deserves?

I think it’s high time the media desists from using Mandela’s health situation just because they want a “Juicy story”. It’s so unethical.