Xort Xort:
Not to be rude but lets not forget this man was a terrorist and operated the UmKhonto we Sizwe. He personally signed off or directly ordered the murder of countless innocent people.
He was never a 'good guy' but he was an important figure and a beloved head of state.
I am not here for political debate, and I would never profess to be an expert on the subject of this guy's life. There is plenty to debate about his beliefs, especially when he was younger. However, he stood up for freedom, before him there were not free elections in S Africa, he stood up against apartheid and although he was linked to some radical groups, he had started his protests as a young man in a non-violent manner. I am absolutely against violent protest or anarchy, but I am also absolutely against systemic injustices and I am fully supportive of free elections for all.
I always look at "associations" and the benefits of some in power to create those associations as something that is difficult to accept at face value. One telling point about this is the fact that he was released early. Most certainly he has changed immensely over the years, as has the world that once accepted the persecution of others based solely on their skin colour. He is an honourary Canadian citizen dont forget.