Thatcher Was Good For World

ON WEDNESDAY, 17 April 2013, the great political icon of the world was finally laid to rest but her legacy will continue to be debated for centuries to come. Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom was not only a leader who influenced the world order but was key to its modernisation and reform towards greater democratisation, ending the Cold War.

Her term of office led to many British citizens gaining a stake in society, buying their council houses and eagerly snapping shares in the newly privatised industries such as British Gas and Telecom.
Her firm belief that deeply held convictions should never be compromised by consensus was her great strength and again her weakness. She would be fondly remembered for having achieved rolling back the frontiers of an overburden state, curtailing influential trade union leaders and expanding her country’s standing around the globe.
She shared a great conviction that no amount of blackmail or terrorism can thrive over democracy, and espoused the core tenets of democracy across the globe. During our engagement she spoke of great hope for Africa to deepen democracy and fight poverty. Her assistance in areas of democratisation through eminent bodies such as the International Democrat Union are visible footprints of a great lioness.
I was personally impressed by her strong will and conviction and persuasive intellect on global affairs even in the twilight of her years. She was above all that rare politician of conviction who would carry her belief through come what may. I fondly remember her famous quote “the lady is not for turning”.
All is well that ends well.

McHenry Venaani
Windhoek

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