Nelson Mandela is a Worldwide Influence

Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” His life is a prime example of how passionately he believes these words. Even though he had to undergo many hardships, such as spending twenty-seven years in prison and battling tuberculosis, he never stopped striving to make a large impact on not only South Africa, but the world as well (Schoemaker). Nelson Mandela is a major worldwide influence due to his key role in the transformation of South Africa from apartheid to democracy, the numerous charities he established and supported, and his lifelong dedication to ending racial segregation permanently in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela was key in the transformation of South Africa from apartheid to democracy. He was the youngest son of a respected African chief, so he was given the opportunity to go to school and become educated. After attending the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand, Mandela became certified as a lawyer. Because he was very educated, he was accepted into the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943. The ANC appealed to the government of South Africa, the National Party, arguing for African rights and political changes (Scott). At first, the ANC practiced passive resistance, such as boycotts, stay-at-home strikes, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation with the government. However, after a few months of making little ground, the ANC made plans to bomb places of significance to the apartheid (Anonymous). Also, Mandela formed the Spear of the Nation, which was an underground organization that was planning an armed struggle upon the government. This plan was not successful, and Mandela, along w...

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...son Mandela is a major worldwide influence due to his key role in the transformation of South Africa from apartheid to democracy, the numerous charities he established and supported, and his lifelong dedication to ending racial segregation permanently in South Africa. He is a man who has spanned many decades, cultures, and realities. Nelson Mandela is influential because of the way he nobly sacrificed much of his life in order to achieve equality and justice for all. Today, he is seen as the main icon for human rights. Nelson Mandela, also known fondly as Madiba by his tribe, is a man that will be forever remembered worldwide for his substantial contributions to our ideas of freedom, as well as by all of South Africa for his love, care, and dedication to his people. Nelson Mandela has most definitely earned the title of “South Africa’s Greatest Son” (Schoemaker).