With the gathering Tuesday of a multitude of people in Johannesburg for the memorial and state funeral of Nelson Mandela, South African icon and former president, who died Thursday November 29, the country has raked in huge but yet unestimated earnings.

The revenues have been tumbling in through hotel bills, flight tickets, fares from other categories of transportation, proceeds from shopping and tourism bills among others, as thousands of high and mid networth visitors throng the country.

The state funeral which afforded a huge number of world leaders, who were physically president in the country, the opportunity to pay their last respects to Mandela, further swelled the contributions of the late former president to the South African economy.

A commentator who compared the roles of Mandela in the development of his country with those of current and former Nigerian leaders, observed that Madiba had been an immense blessing to his country and compatriots.

“Mandela is a huge blessing to South Africa. Even in death, he is as much a blessing to his country as he was while alive. For instance, the financial earnings that will accrue to South Africa this time around will be enormous. The air fares, train fares, cab fares, hotel bills will be huge. Don’t forget that not all the world leaders would leave immediately after the ceremony; some would visit the prison where he served for 27 years and that is part of tourism. As you also know, there are small, small businesses that would thrive during this period,” the pundit said.

The analyst further said: “Unlike in Nigeria where leaders are a huge burden whether in life or in death, Mandela’s case was different. Here, rather than contribute, leaders steal even more than they need.  When they die, they are a huge burden on the country, even after they have illicitly acquired so much wealth. I think Mandela’s death and the presence of our president at the event would help to re-orient them.”

Mandela, who died at the age of 95, helped to lay the foundations for a robust economy and servitude, which remain solid despite all current and future problems. South Africa now has a diversified economy, impressive infrastructure in its large cities, a functioning justice system and a free press.

“Mandela’s role in the political development of South Africa is unquestionable,” said Shilan Shah, Africa Economist with Capital Economics.

“Between 1980 and 1993, real GDP growth averaged 1.4 percent per annum. Between 1994 and 2012, average growth has risen to 3.3 percent,” said Shah.

“Significant economic progress was also made under his leadership. However, this is now in danger of being undone.”

Pundits say he provided a stable political platform for the South African economy to recover from years of economic sanctions, while involving black workers.

http://businessdayonline.com/2013/12/even-in-death-mandela-boosts-sa-economy/