How do you even begin to describe a personality like Nelson Mandela? Where would you start? In an attempt to convert my awe of a man that almost single handedly led a nation to it’s stature, I shall write my next blog on Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, an activist, a Nobel peace prize winner, president and humanitarian.
Nelson Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe. Mandela himself was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand and qualified in law in 1942. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and was engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies after 1948. He went on trial for treason in 1956-1961 and was acquitted in 1961. After joining to ANC (African National Congress), he was later sentenced to life imprisonment after being accused of sabotage of various government activities. He then spent a gruelling 27 years in prison and was released in 1990 after which he led his party to start multi racial democracy talks that then led to him being elected president.
After becoming president, Mandela bought about many changes which included the introduction of free health care for all children under the age of six , launched the development and reconstruction programme, passed various acts such as the Skills Development Act, The Labour Relations act and TBCE act. He also helped bring access to water for more than 3 million people and connected 2 million people to the electricity grid.
Mandela was the oldest elected president of South Africa when he took office at 75. After he retired, he did not rest on his laurels. He went on to work with many social and human right activists. He is also a vocal supporter of the SOS children’s campaign.
In an address at the Olympics, Mandela said one of the most inspiring things I have ever heard. He said, “For seventeen days, they are roommates. For seventeen days, they are soul mates. And for twenty-two seconds, they are competitors. Seventeen days as equals. Twenty-two seconds as adversaries. What a wonderful world that would be. That's the hope I see in the Olympic Games.”
Nelson Mandela is more than just a leader, a human rights activist and a fighter for freedom. To me, he is a role model. One cannot speak about South Africa without praising the legend that is Nelson Mandela.
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