Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

When people think of Nelson Mandela they usually just think of a president of South Africa, but no he was more than that. Nelson Mandela was an inspiration, an activist, put in jail for doing something we take for granted every day. He spoke his opinion and stood up for what he believed in.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on july 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu tribe. Mandela was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand. Nelson qualified in law in 1942. He then joined the African National Congress (A.N.C.) in 1944.

In 1960 police fired on peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville. More than sixty died and over a hundred and eighty were seriously injured. A black lawyer by the name of Nelson Mandela felt that they would have to fight violence with violence. The government had banned the A.N.C. (African National Congress). Nelson Mandela argued for the setting up of an army wing within the A.N.C. In June 1961, the esecutive considered his proposal on the use of violent tactics and agreed that those who wished to follow Mandela could do so.

In 1961 the prime minister, Hendrik Verwoerd, proclaimed South Africa a republic, and withdrew from the British Common Wealth. This led to the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labor. In 1963, when many fellow leaders of the ANC and the Umkhonto we Sizwe were arrested, Mandela was brought to stand trial with them for plotting to overthrow the government by violence. On June 12, 1964, eight of the accused including Mandela, were sentenced to life imprisonment. From 1964 to 1982, he was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison, Then tranfered to Pollsmoor Prison. Durring his imprisonment his reputation grew steadily. Nelson Mandela was accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa and he became a potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered strength.
Mandela repeatedly refused to change his political status to obtain his freedom, showing his dedication to the movement. Outraged Africans rioted all over the country, no longer willing to wait for change. In the 1980’s the government started to retreat from such strict laws and in 1989 F.W. De Klerk was elected president, Klerk legalizes the A.N.C. On February 11, 1990 Mandela was released. On his release he repeated the same words he had said when he had been on trial : “I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realized, but . . . If needs be, it is an ideal which I am willing to die". He plunged himself fully into his life’s work and dedication. Mandela was elected president of the A.N.C. in 1991.
In 1994 South Africa held it’s first all races election. Nelson Mandela ran against Frederick Willem de Klerk. Mandela won the election becoming south Africa’s first black president. Mandela called on the people to “heal the wounds of the past” However, Mandela’s Government faced the challenges of desperate poverty and an AIDS epidemic. In 1999 Mandela retired from being president and was succeeded by Thab Mbek.

Nelson Mandela should stand for an idol to all of us. He stood up for his belief and when promised freedom from his imprisonment he still stood strong to his word. Nelson shows that hard work does pay off and with time we are rewarded for our work.

Reviews

[Soul Magic✯]

a great powerful story written. i enjoyed the history and wisdom in this piece. wonderful tribute