Nelson Mandela has become a symbol for injustice of the apartheid state and a fight for everlasting freedom. This essay will discuss why Nelson Mandela was the most heroic leader of all time.He made history by ending apartheid and making Africa an equal society. He was fearless, selfless and determined to make a change for his country and people regardless of the consequences that may occur. All these great attributes are the reasons why one would label him a hero.(Mandela,Nelson: In his own words 1991)
Apartheid was established in 1948 by the Nation congress party .Nelson describes apartheid as the formation of the racialism and repression of the white government. It was a system that removed non white citizens of their basic human rights and segregated the races.Non-white Africans were forced to carry identification everywhere stating all their information The government implemented two laws which was made up of the Population Registration act every south African was labelled by race, and the Group areas Act,this enabled certain racial groups to live in different places. These laws were made to form apartheid, which has been defined as “apartness”, the separation of the races. It was not until 1990,that Africa began to see a change this was when F. w de klerk came in to power, he worked alongside Nelson to make Africa an equal society he also helped to release nelson from prison. (Nangoli Petero,1978)
In 1961 Nelson became the executive member of the ANC's armed wing, “Umkhonto we Sizwe” The aim of the party was to join forces to tackle the current epidemic that faced south Africa and fight for injustice. Whilst he was in power he organised various protests and riots boycotting the opposing government, they begain peaceful but then escalated and became violent. "Sons and daughters of Africa, our tasks are mighty indeed, but I have abundant faith in our ability to reply to the challenge posed by the situation. Under the slogan of FULL DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA NOW, we must march forward into victory." In the 1960’s Nelson was arrested for treason and faced imprisonment in Robben island.Throughout his time in Robben Island he managed to become one of the most significant black leaders in south Africa.(Mandela,Nelson 1965) Nelson Mandala was an outspoken individual who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and fight for the cause which was in this case freedom and equality. February 11th was the day in which Nelson was released from jail,upon his release he declared his speech where he spoke about real change, real democracy, he believed that one day society would be a place of equality and harmony.(Mandela No easy walk to freedom,1965). Nelson gave South Africans hope that one day all their worries,trials and tribulations will be rectified. Prior to his imprisonment he spent his time as president fighting for freedom and equality he managed to achieve the seemingly impossible,helping to put a stop to apartheid. “During my lifetime I have dedicated my life to the struggle of the African people,I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination”.(Nelson Mandela No easy walk to freedom 1965) states that his defiance during apartheid was not the only reason why he faced imprisonment,it was down to him addressing the claims about south africans living under such a horrible brutal system.This clearly shows Nelson Mandelas struggle and oppression and highlights why he is should be defined a hero . (Pretoria Suprime court 1964)
One can paint the picture of Nelson being a great heroic leader but he does share characteristics which some may call him a villain he was a part of violent communists activities which some didn’t condone.The ANC was labelled as a terrorist party his organisations violated the law which is why he faced imprisonment.They started off with peacefull protests but they started getting violent towards the end (Nelson Mandela in his own words : from freedom to the future)
Nelson Mandela’s heroic fight and struggle to bring down apartheid and the opposing government has endlessly affected the black South African population in their search for freedom. He aimed to ensure that his methods for justice were peaceful although violence was present. “I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." (Mandela,No easy walk to freedom 1965) Nelson was able to achieve the impossible giving africans hope for equality and releasing them from segregation.Nelson Mandela always looked to the future and believed there was always a hope he made south africans believe that change could happen and This is why he is a hero.
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