Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, passed away last night at the age of 95. Mandela set a precedent not only for South Africa, but for the world in the leadership of a nation and the rebuilding of a wounded society through reconciliation, not bitterness. His loss is felt around the world, but his legacy will continue to shape the generations to come.
A young lawyer in 1944, Mandela became involved in the African National Congress, an activist group dedicated to bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid segregated South African society into four racial groups: Indian, colored, black, and white. Though the Afrikaners made up the minority of South Africa, they oppressed the non-white people of the country under strict legislation. Mandela became a prominent leader of the struggle against apartheid during the ANC’s Defiance campaign, which quickly turned into a violent battle for freedom. It was during this period that the South African government, as well as the government of Britain, labeled Mandela as a terrorist. In 1963, Mandela was arrested on accounts of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. Mandela was sent to prison on Robben Island in 1964 where he would spend the next 27 years of his life.
Even in prison, Mandela acted with the dignity and honor that would characterize him for the rest of his life, as described by his fellow inmate, Neville Alexander in an interview with PBS. Mandela once expressed that as a young man he hated all whites for what they had done to his country, but his time in prison helped in mature into the leader that we would recognize today. Mandela took the time to learn Afrikaans, the language of the Dutch settlers, and it became clear early on that when released, Mandela would work to bring the country together instead of acting out of anger and vengeance. Mandela’s release in February 1990 marked the beginning of a new history for South Africa. Four years later, Mandela was elected the first black president of the country.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mandela’s life was his belief that it would be more important to bring unity to his country than to abuse his power to punish the whites of South Africa. Mandela convinced the country that it could stand together, despite its past. He saw an opportunity that others might have overlooked in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Rugby was seen as a white mans sport, but Mandela successfully encouraged the blacks to support the team. Wearing the jersey of an Afrikaner, Mandela presented the winning trophy to the captain of South Africa’s team, a symbol that would remain in the minds of all who witnessed the moment.
Mandela’s life will serve as a lasting inspiration to the world. His lessons of perseverance and forgiveness have done more this world than it can ever thank him for.
Source
http://www.nelsonmandela.org