South African History Online

Speech by President Nelson Mandela at the memorial service for Clive Menell

Johannesburg, 4 August 1996

Irene Menell, and the Menell family;
Ladies and gentlemen

Clive Menell was a leader of great distinction and a person of rare quality.
The rich contribution he made to our society and the imprint he has left on its
history goes far beyond what is known by each one of us who had the privilege to
work with him or to count him amongst our friends. It is only now, when we come
together from the many walks of life that he touched, that the sum of his gifts
can be felt.

Born into privilege of a kind that few people can ever know, he gave of his
energies and talents not only in his inherited station, but also to the cause of
changing our society and upliftment of the poor. The combination of vision with
the capacity to give it practical effect made him a leader in many spheres.

Transformation in South Africa and global economic change have brought
historic challenges to our business community - it will sorely miss the
leadership of Clive Menell, who has helped guide it through this period of
economic, political and social transition. Our economy needs leaders who can
pursue the interrelated goals of competing in the global market-place and
building a partnership of business, government and labour for growth,
reconstruction and development.

Our young people are the nation's greatest asset, and education therefore has
immense power to shape the character of our society. The small band of
visionaries who established Waterford School were affirming, in a very practical
and concrete way, and during apartheid's darkest years, that even those who were
able to enjoy the privileges of the system could also align themselves with the
oppressed for a non-racial future. My own childen, like those of many other
friends of mine, studied at Waterford. Many of the school's students, some of
them in leadership positions, are now helping to build our Rainbow Nation.

It was this same understanding of the importance of education for our future
which led Clive to devote his energies to promoting student exchange that would
bring educational opportunities to those denied it in their own country.

The plight of South Africa's children as a consequence of apartheid, is one
of the most shameful blots on our country's history. I long cherished the vision
of South Africans from every quarter of society joining hands to redeem that
neglect. When the time came to make that a reality, in the form of the
Children's Fund, Clive Menell's experience, and the time he unstintingly gave,
were of immense value.

Many people, including myself, will sorely miss Clive. Our thoughts are with
you, Irene, and the family, knowing that your loss is a much deeper one. But we
do all take comfort in the knowledge that his life has helped make ours a better
society, and that he will be remembered by so many with love and appreciation.

Issued by: Office of the President