Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

Nelson Mandela – Born in the Transkei in 1918, the son of the then Chief of the Tembu tribe, Rolihlahla Mandela received his first education from a Methodist boarding school, where he was given the English name Nelson. “Rolihlahla” is a Xhosa name and means troublemaker.

Nelson Mandela continued on to Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape. Being very unhappy with the students conditions there, Nelson lead a student strike and was subsequently expelled from the university. He continued his studies at the Witwatersrand University where, in 1942, he earned a law degree.

Together, Nelson and Oliver Tambo, who had become his good friend at Fort Hare University, opened the very first black law firm in South Africa. They also joined the African National Congress (ANC) but found that the policies were to moderate and a harder stance needed to be taken. Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela formed the ANC Youth league which held a more intense anti-apartheid position. The youth league grew and very quickly its policies became the main anti-apartheid approach.

In 1948, after the National party brought about new laws which effectively dismissed all human rights of the back majority in South Africa, Nelson began to see that non-violent protests were not working. Although he was prepared to try every non-violent method possible, it was just not helping. His activities had led to a number of arrests and jail-time.

The Government banned the ANC and the “Spear of the Nation” underground military wing of the ANC was formed with Mandela as the head. They used sabotage and other strategies to try and weaken the government.

In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for high treason and was sent to Robben Island’s maximum security prison.  After spending 27 years in prison and becoming the symbol worldwide of the battle against apartheid in South Africa, worldwide pressure upon South Africa grew and grew, and in 1990 President F. W. de Klerk released Nelson Mandela from prison. Together they brought an end to apartheid and both received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

In 1994, with the first elections where all South Africans, regardless of colour, were free to vote, Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president.

In 1995, Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography – A long Walk to Freedom – telling the fascinating and inspiring story of his life. A book really worth reading and having on your bookshelf in order to always remember how faith and endurance garners positive results.

He passed away in December 2013 at the age of  95. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest leaders,  a strong man who never gave up, somebody who made a difference and brought about the biggest change possible in apartheid South Africa.  R.I.P Madiba