In Memory of Nelson Mandela: Examining the Friendship Between Michael Jackson and Mandela and the Foundation’s Statement

Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa, the leader of the struggle against that country’s racist regime, and one of the most prominent and beloved figures in the fight against racial discrimination around the world, passed away today at the age of 95.

Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson were longtime friends who were always supportive of one another. Michael used to call him “grandfather” and drew inspiration from his strength, steadfastness, and struggles in the cause of humanity. Mandela, too, considered Michael a close member of his family and referred to him as his source of inspiration—praising his power to stand firm and thanking him for his help to children around the world.

Mandela supported Michael at a time when the world had pointed its finger at him over baseless allegations of sexual abuse. He described him as a source of inspiration who, during 27 years of imprisonment in the jails of his country’s apartheid regime, gave him the strength to fight and continue his path. Mandela had said that he was thinking: if a Black child could overcome poverty and racism to achieve success and fame and begin a difficult career, then he too could overcome his years of imprisonment.

Mandela, in a conversation with a Danish magazine on March 30, 2005, said that during his time in prison he had found strength in Michael Jackson:

“When you are behind bars with not the slightest hope of freedom, you need to find your strength from wherever you can. I personally found strength in Michael Jackson. Leaving the Jackson 5 group (as a child) and turning to a solo career takes a great deal of courage. I thought to myself: if he had the courage to do something like that, then I must also have the will to continue the journey.”

Mandela also described Michael as a “constant source of inspiration.”

This quote appears in the book The Visual Documentary by Adrienne Grant.

Mandela also had a reciprocal impact on Michael. In 1999, after meeting Nelson Mandela, Michael wrote the song “What More Can I Give.” He said about it himself:

“In a conversation I had this year with President Mandela, we discussed the concept of giving. As a result, the phrase ‘What More Can I Give’ came to mind. We all must offer what we can, to root out pain and suffering that should not exist.”

In June 1999, Michael arranged two charity concerts in Germany and South Korea and intended to perform “What More Can I Give” at them, but that didn’t happen. Instead, the title of these concerts—“Michael Jackson and Friends: What More Can I Give”—said it all. Michael donated part of the proceeds from the concerts to Nelson Mandela’s children’s fund.

(It is worth noting that after the tragic events of September 11 in New York, Michael rewrote the song and performed it at a charity concert held to help the victims’ survivors and in memory of those who lost their lives. Description)

Michael’s inspiration from Mandela stemmed from a reciprocal power that this old fighter gave him. In 2005, Michael was dealing with an extremely difficult situation. His dignity and honor depended on winning a court case that many later described as a “circus show.” In that same year, in an interview, Michael was asked:

- “Now your honor is under attack. How do you deal with this?”

- Michael: “By using people who were involved in such matters in the past. The story of Mandela and what he went through gives me a lot of strength… Hitler created deep hatred in the world, while Mandela did the opposite. He was calm and dignified in prison—there was no bitterness in him. Even today, at eighty years old, and with his youth gone—because he spent a long time in prison—he doesn’t regret anything. He is lovable and like children… He loves children. When I went to see him, I had children with me, and people said the kids should stay and not come with me. I said I’m sure Mr. Mandela won’t be upset to see the children. I said if the children don’t go, then I won’t go either. I remember that his representatives looked at me with this expression [imitating their grim and suspicious faces], and then they said that we all could go. (After arriving) the first thing Mandela did was run toward the children, pick them up, and hug them. I knew he had that quality and that he loves children. He talked with them, and then he shook my hand. I knew I wasn’t wrong.”

Michael and Nelson Mandela had met and talked with each other in different circumstances. For example, in 1996, Mandela invited Michael to attend his private birthday celebration in Johannesburg. A video of that event—dated July 18 of that year—is available on YouTube.

Two days later, before leaving South Africa, Michael spent some time with him at Mandela’s residence in Pretoria.

Michael even made the news of the two charity concerts—mentioned earlier—known to the world when, on March 23, he walked side by side with Nelson Mandela in Cape Town in front of reporters.

Michael also appeared on stage alongside Nelson Mandela at the Africa Music Awards on September 4, 1999, to receive an award for a lifetime of artistic achievement. At the same event, Nelson Mandela expressed hope that people—not only in Africa but around the world—would help children by taking Michael Jackson as an example. At this event, Michael presented a check for one million dollars—money raised from the two concerts in Korea and Germany—to Nelson Mandela’s children’s charity.

After Michael’s death in 2009, Nelson Mandela sent a message of condolence that was read at his memorial. The text of the statement was as follows:

“The untimely death of Michael Jackson has caused us great sadness and sorrow. After Michael came to South Africa and performed here, he drew close to us. We became attached to him, and he became a close member of our family. We admired his talent and ability to overcome the hardships that came upon him in different situations. Michael was a giant and a legend in music. Along with millions of fans around the world, we mourn the loss of our dear friend. Our hearts ache for him, and his memory will be cherished for a very long time. I, my wife, our family, and our friends offer you our condolences in this time of mourning. Be strong.”

A fascinating memory of Michael and Nelson Mandela

Patrick Treacy, one of Michael’s well-known doctors and one of his advocates, shared the following memory today on news24.com:

“One day, we were at Michael’s clinic in Dublin, and we were talking about a concert that was going to be arranged in Africa. Nelson Mandela called Michael on his mobile phone. At first, I thought it was a concert organizer in South Africa calling, and I continued with him for about five to ten minutes of ordinary, boring talk about life in Cape Town, and then I handed the phone back to Michael.

Michael then laughed and said: ‘Hey, Patrick, I’m really surprised by what you said to my grandfather, Madiba, when you had the chance. You talk about him a lot.’”

From the Persian Wikipedia: In South Africa, Mandela is often known as “Madiba.” This honorary title was given to him by elders of the Mandela family. This title is no longer synonymous only with the name Nelson Mandela. Many people in South Africa also call him Mkhulu (grandfather) as a sign of respect.

Michael Jackson Foundation statement on Nelson Mandela’s passing

Today, the Michael Jackson Foundation released a statement on the death of the beloved leader of South Africa on the official website of the King of Pop. The statement said:

“Michael was proud to call Nelson Mandela his friend. Michael, like millions of his admirers around the world, was inspired by President Mandela’s courage, his struggle for human dignity, and his commitment to peace. During his trips to South Africa, he often met with President Mandela, whom Michael called ‘one of the close members of the family.’ We express our condolences in this endless grief to President Mandela’s family and to the dear people of his country.

Trustees of the Michael Jackson Foundation, John Branca and John McClain.”

Who was Nelson Mandela?

From the Persian Wikipedia: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (born July 18, 1918 — died December 5, 2013) was the first President of South Africa elected in a general democratic election. Before becoming president, he was one of the prominent opponents of apartheid in South Africa and the leader of the African National Congress. He was tried and imprisoned for his involvement in secret armed resistance activities. For Mandela, armed struggle was the last resort; he was always committed to non-violence. During his 27 years in prison—most of it in a cell on Robben Island—he became the most famous figure in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Although the apartheid regime and the nations supporting it considered him and the African National Congress to be communists and terrorists, armed struggle was an inseparable part of the fight against apartheid. After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela adopted a policy of reconciliation and peace, which helped facilitate South Africa’s transition toward a democracy that would represent all segments of the population.

Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years in 1990. He was President of South Africa from 1994 to June 1999. In 1999, he retired and stepped away from politics.

From Nelson Mandela’s words: “Throughout my life, I have devoted myself to the people of Africa. I fought against the domination of white people, and I fought against the domination of Black people as well. I have pursued the ideal of a free and democratic society in which everyone can live in balance and with equal opportunities. That is my ideal, and I hope to live by it and achieve it. But if it becomes necessary, I am prepared to die for this ideal.”

Many leaders and prominent people around the world have offered condolences for Nelson Mandela’s loss.

Nelson Mandela will always be remembered as one of the most influential leaders in the fight against racism in the world. May his soul rest in peace, and his memory be honored.

Source: eMJey.com