With the impending release of the movie The Blood Diamond in 2007, it is inevitable that different sectors are feeling a little bit uneasy about possible repercussions. Having a big Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio in its lead role, the movie is set to make big waves all around the world. Prior to this movie, the general public’s exposure to blood diamonds is at best limited. Songs have been sung and references in other movies have been made. However, this seems to be the widest scale exposure yet.

Understandably, some members of the international diamond trade are wary about the possible effects of the movie. An interesting development in this area is the entrance of Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mr. Mandela is a well-known and highly respected figure all over the world. His post-apartheid policies and activities have gained him the respect of people from different countries and races.

Thus it came as a bit of a surprise to some sectors when news came out that Nelson Mandela is going to act as a sort of spokesperson for DeBeers, an icon in the diamond industry. Critics were quick to call him as the new poster boy of the diamond industry. What exactly will Nelson Mandela’s role be? He is supposed to clarify the difference between what is to be depicted in the movie and the reality of life in present day Africa. Supposedly, he will be asserting that blood diamonds no longer exist, or at least are no longer in circulation. In effect, he will be showing his full support to the existing – legal – diamond industry.
Many people, even those who admire and respect everything Nelson Mandela stands for, are now feeling rather skeptical about this move. Many are wondering whether the former Nobel Peace Prize winner is now selling out. Perhaps, they say, the glitter of diamonds was too hard to resist.

Looking into the past might shed some light on Nelson Mandela’s actions, though. Even way back in the 1990s, Nelson Mandela was already a staunch supporter of the legal diamond industry. He recognized the importance of this industry to the African economy and he was not shy to point that out. He has been quoted many times as saying “Rather than boycotts being instituted, it is preferable that through our own initiative the industry takes a progressive stance on human rights issues.” That is why he was a key player in the Kimberly Process.

Just because Nelson Mandela is acting as a spokesperson doesn’t mean that he is selling out. Another key point: he is not receiving any money for his services. Of course, there are many things that we, the public, may not know. Though the legitimate diamond industry does contribute a lot to the African economy, we also know that in this present day and age, there could still be blood diamonds mining going on. Organizations such as Amnesty International are quick to point that out. Perhaps a more moderate statement would placate critics. Then again, Nelson Mandela was never one to back down just to pacify his critics.