SIR – Am I the only one to feel nauseated by the hysteria surrounding Nelson Mandela?

My recollections of the man are that he was convicted of serious sabotage, and as an acknowledged terrorist on his conviction narrowly missed the death sentence and was ultimately given a life sentence, as any terrorist would expect.

This man also advocated armed insurrection to free South Africa from apartheid.

For 27 years the man was incarcerated, and his comrades on the outside worked tirelessly without resorting to armed insurrection and won their cause.

On Mandela’s release from prison the hysteria grew out of all proportion and the man was hailed as a saviour, despite his 27 years’ inactivity. In his latter years he has been raised to practically God-like status.

His comrades, like his ex-wife Winnie Mandela, Jacob Zuma and others who actually achieved the freedom from apartheid, have been forgotten and this man has been hailed as the saviour of South Africa.

What an injustice to the real heroes of South Africa who tirelessly fought for their freedom and won it, to be ignored by an ex-prisoner who did nothing except accept the accomplishments of others.

P Raistrick, Westgate, Eccleshill