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WHEN the world celebrated Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday in London it was an international event.

On the eve of those celebrations, Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, said in a CNN interview that Madiba’s greatest regret was not spending enough time with his children.

How come none of his children were seen at the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela statue in London? Neither did we see any of them at the 46664 celebrity dinner that was attended by Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson and all the newly acquired associates who have little or nothing to do with the South African struggle.

Hopefully, they were with Madiba at the 46664 concert, though I wouldn’t be surprised if priority seating was given to this gaggle of new philanthropic opportunists.

Madiba’s family was not seen at his hotel, getting off his plane or at any of the events held in his honour in the UK.

If, indeed, he regrets not spending enough time with his offspring, it is interesting to observe that he is hardly ever with any of them in public. Is it his choice, or even wish, to only mingle with his children and grandchildren when he has some spare time and that only in total privacy?

It is also interesting to note that the only South African musician who always, without fail, performs at all 46664 concerts is Danny K. Is he really South Africa’s best?

Supermodel Naomi Campbell’s association with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund goes back to its inception. Why did Madiba dump her now – his “adopted granddaughter” – and opt for a self-confessed heroin addict, the rock star, Amy Winehouse?

In whose interest is the image of Nelson Mandela and that of his family being destroyed? Who is actually benefiting?

OBED W MHLANGA, London

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