NO 4 Know your enemy-and learn about his favorite sport

As far back as the 1960, Mandela began studying Afrikaans,the language of the white South Africans who created apartheid.His comrades in the ANC teased him about it,but he wanted to understand the Afrikaner's worldview,he knew that one day he would be fighting them or negotiating with them,and either way,his destiny was tied to theirs.



This was strategic in two senses,by speaking his opponents' language,he might understand their strengths and weaknesses and formulate tactics accordingly.But he would also be ingratiating himself with his enemy.Everyone from ordinary jailers to P.W.Botha was impressed by Mandela's willingness to speak Afrikanns and his knowledge of Afrikaner history.He even brushed up on his knowledge of rugby,the Afrikaners' beloved sport,so he would be able to compare notes on teams and players.