Long Walk to Freedom ( Nelson Mandela ) Chapter 3 Part 2
Yogesh
Long Walk to Freedom ( Nelson Mandela ) Chapter 3 Part 2
Because of the universal respect the regent enjoyed—from both black and white—and the seemingly untempered power that he wielded, I saw chieftaincy as being the very center around which life revolved. The power and influence of chieftaincy pervaded every aspect of our lives in Mqhekezweni and was the preeminent means through which one could achieve influence and status. My later notions of leadership were profoundly influenced by observing the regent and his court. I watched and learned from the tribal meetings that were regularly held at the Great Place. These were not scheduled, but were called as needed, and were held to discuss national matters such as a drought, the culling of cattle, policies ordered by the magistrate, or new laws decreed by the government. All Thembus were free to come—and a great many did, on horseback or by foot. On these occasions, the regent was surrounded by his amaphakathi , a group of councilors of high rank who functioned as the regent’s parliament and jud…
