Nelson Mandela…. The man… The legend. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born 18 July 1918, died 5 December 2013. For those of you who don’t know much about him, he was elected South Africa’s first black president in its first democratic elections in 1994.
This man was so rich with history it would just be too much to convey in a single blog (Go buy his book – Long walk to freedom). During the apartheid years he represented the black minorities and gave them hope that their oppression would one day subside. And in today’s generation he still represents hope, freedom and peace. This was a man who after being imprisoned for 27 years for unjust crimes, held no grudges and came out smiling once released. (This should be a lesson for all of us who’s anger and thirst for revenge flares us too quickly).
Nelson Mandela achieved a historically rare feat of uniting a fiercely divided country. After leaving the presidential office, he remained focused on championing peace and social justice not only in South Africa but around the world. Through his numerous charity’s and his philanthropy he made such huge contributions to the wellbeing of his people. Although most of us will never do the great things he did or influence people as much, we should still try to live and think the way he did. What you think is a small gesture may be the world to someone else.
Mandela’s legacy, the imperishable lesson he holds for the ages, and the reason why he stands head and shoulders above every leader of his generation, is that he showed it is possible to be a great human being and a great politician at the same time and showing respect to friends and enemies alike can get you a long, long way. Goodbye and may peace be always with you Madiba.
