THE memorial service in South Africa for Nelson Mandela, staged in a modern-day version of a Kraal, reminded me of the film Zulu Dawn, which alongside the epic Zulu, gave rise to the beginning if not the end of colonial rule.

With tributes paid to a peaceful negotiator in achieving this goal by many heads of state and dignitaries, attention and accolades were also directed towards Barack Obama.

Having risen to high office from humble beginnings, and of African ancestry, his speech almost ranks alongside President Lincoln’s speeches during the American Civil War.

Therefore the saying “The pen is mightier than the sword”, still applies.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.