The universe is fixated on Nelson Mandela because he is a man of the future and not the past. That is what Wits University professor of international relations John Stremlau makes of South Africa's political icon.

"Apart from the fact that everybody wondered how he could come back from 26 years in jail so whole, he is an icon because although his struggle was of the 19th century with racism being the remnants of slavery and his message was of the 21st century."We are prisoners in our own country because we dared to raise our voices against these horrible atrocities … You can see that there is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow [of death] again and again before we reach the mountain-tops of our desires." 'A statement made from hiding in 1953'

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." At the Rivonia Trial in 1964

"I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands." ” On release from prison, 1990

"I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love for all of you. I regard it as the highest honour to lead the ANC at this moment in our history, and that we have been chosen to lead our country into the new century." Announcing the 1994 ANC election victory

"The achievement of democracy was the defining challenge — the long walk continues." Farewell speech to Parliament, March 29 1999

"His contribution was not to put the final nail in the coffin of racism, but to inspire the world to [become] a tolerant and inclusive society based on the rule of law," said Stremlau.

He said the world also remembered Mandela’s role in pacifying the country when it was on the brink of political and racial violence after the assassination of African National Congress/ South African Communist Party member Chris Hani in 1993.

"I can't think of many figures in history who are like him. His place is secured. There is no danger at all that Nelson Mandela will not be given his place in history," said Stremlau.

Dr Xolela Mangcu, director of the Steve Biko Foundation, said Mandela "remains the most influential living politician out of politics".

But while he still carries a lot of moral authority within the ANC, for those interested in contracts and cushy government jobs he is merely a symbol to be proud of.

"The material interest of ANC members has become the primary consideration, and so it is nice to have someone like Mandela, but at the end of the day, he is not going to give them jobs or contracts.

"People look at which side their bread is buttered, and that means they will not necessarily follow his moral authority," said Mangcu.

Mangcu said that, like the ANC members, South Africans recognised Mandela's role but did not always practise what he preached.

"A leader is an embodiment of his society. If we have distanced ourselves from the values of freedom and prosperity he and his generation represented, then he remains a lonely figure because society has deserted him.

"There is very little a leader can do when his flock has taken a different direction," said Mangcu.