Nelson Mandela

Suwi Kaira
Mrs. Siwy
10th Literature and Composition H/ 3
31 January 2013
Nelson Mandela: The Gentle Soul That Changed South Africa “Mandela’s tribal name, Rolihlahla, means, “one who brings trouble upon himself” (Contemporary Black N.p). Ironic because Nelson Mandela was arrested and convicted of treason, sabotage, along with other charges and was sentenced to life in prison. During a time when apartheid was at its worst, Nelson Mandela went against the grain by thinking differently and risking and losing his freedom for 27 years to fight for a better life for his people and country that eventually led to major accomplishments in government, leadership and world recognition. His accomplishments and overall his legacy impacted society, politics, and the world. Nelson Mandela never incited hate, anger or animosity. Violence was never a key to resolving situations with him. He spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of black South Africans and democratic reform in his troubled homeland. “According to many black South Africans, undue concern for the white minority has been Mandela’s greatest undoing” (Masiza 21). He consistently refused to compromise his political position to secure his freedom. Most countries and their leaders act with violence to solve a problem or to get rid of segregation. But with Mandela, that was never the case. He wanted a better life for his people and country with peace and without violence. Even when he was released from prison, he never once chose to overtake the government, start a riot or war. Instead, he simply sat down with the people that put him away to form a peaceful resolution on the way forward for South Africa. His courage and determination through decades of imprisonment astonished not only South African blacks, but also concerned citizens on every continent. He plunged himself wholeheartedly into his life’s work, striving to attain the goals he and others had set out a few decades earlier. The overall impact of his legacy affected our society worldwide. The abolition of apartheid was a very tremendous impact. Not only for South African blacks, but it opened up the eyes of people in other countries, continents and regions of the world that may not have been aware. Nelson Mandela’s involvement with this movement contributed to him receiving a Noble Peace Prize and becoming the first black democratically elected president in South Africa, and also receiving global recognition. “With his magnetic personality and calm demeanor, Mandela was widely regarded as the last best hope for South Africa” (Contemporary Black N.p). He changed the lives and futures of the citizens and upcoming generations of South Africa. He was destined to risk his freedom to make it a better place, not only for himself, but for the people and the country of South Africa. Nelson Mandela helped fight apartheid and segregation. “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal 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 achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die” (Masiza 21). During apartheid, blacks had absolutely no rights to organize and could not vote. As a part of the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela along with others began the enormous task of negotiating for a democratic, multiparty, nonracial government. During these negotiations, South Africa experienced one of the bloodiest crises in a short period of time. “Mandela was ready to try every possible technique to destroy apartheid peacefully, though he, too, realized the futility of nonviolence in view of the conditions which prevailed in his country” (Encyclopedia of World Biography N.p). “He also asked the U.S government to continue imposing economic sanctions against South Africa until the complete dismantlement of apartheid” (Contemporary Black N.p). Nelson Mandela fought for this movement prior to being incarcerated for 27 years and also when he was released. He was widely accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa and became a compelling symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gained strength. In the midst of South Africa’s elections and becoming president, the Noble Peace Prize of 1993 was awarded jointly to the soon to be president and vice president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and Frederik Williem de Klerk “for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa” (Nobleprize.org). “It was awarded also in recognition of their efforts and as a pledge of support for the forces of good, in the hope that the advance towards equality and democracy will reach its goal in the very near future” (Nobleprize.org). Mandela’s and de Klerk’s constructive policy of peace and reconciliation also points the way to the peaceful resolution of similar deep-rooted conflicts elsewhere in the world. Nelson Mandela had won the presidency of the Republic of South Africa, a nation whose racist government he had opposed and fought most of his life. “This is one of the most important moments in the life of our country. I stand here before you filled with deep pride and joy—pride in the ordinary, humble people of his people. You have shown such calm, patient determination to reclaim this country as your own, and now the joy that we can loudly proclaim from the rooftops: ‘Free at last! Free at last.’ I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love for all of you.” Mandela went on to state, “I am your servant. It is not the individuals that matter, but the collective. This is the time to heal the old wounds and build a new South Africa” (Little 179). These are of Mandela’s remarkable words that were addressed to a cheering crowd at his inauguration on May 12, 1994. Throughout his presidency, Mandela proved himself to be a good negotiator and his presidency was considered successful. Mandela’s presidency for the most part was successful to a remarkable degree. He retired from office in June of 1999 to make way for his vice president, Thabo Mbeki, whom later won that election. “Even though the country’s new constitution allows presidents to serve two five-year terms, he announced early in his presidency that he would serve just one” (Masiza 21). But Nelson Mandela still remained an iconic figure of nearly unparalleled influences in world affairs. Nelson Mandela’s gentle soul went against the grain by risking and losing his freedom for 27 years to fight for a better life for his people and country which he did by thinking differently. That eventually led to major accomplishments in government, leadership, and world recognition. Overall he leaves a remarkable impact on society today. He lived his life and fought for what he believed in and what he knew was right peacefully, regardless if his freedom and rights were at stake. He loves his country, most importantly his people. Fighting against apartheid and segregation and also trying to reform the government were all in Mandela’s best interest.