Nelson Mandela
Human history has been marked with long and painful struggles that fought for human rights and freedoms. Discrimination and racial oppression has always been one of the most controversial struggles for mankind. For South Africa, it was a country where black people were oppressed by the white minority. The colonization of South Africa began in the 18th century by the Dutch empire after Dutch trading companies started using its cape as a center for trading between Asia and Europe (sahistory.org.za). Soon after, the British took over the country and declared it part of the British Empire (sahistory.org.za).
Nelson Mandela was born on July 18th, 1918 in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He is best known for his fight against apartheid and becoming the first black President of South Africa. Mandela was born into the Thembu people and was motivated to study law after experiencing the tribal democratic leadership. He joined the African National Congress in 1942 and participated in the organization of a many protests against apartheid. In 1952 “Mandela and Oliver Tambo started the first black law office in South Africa with the intent of fighting black injustice (Saunders, World Book 133)”. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and given a life sentence for charges for conspiring against the government. He was released in 1990 after serving 27 years. In 1993 he received the Nobel Peace Prize along with F. W. de Klerk for their contribution towards ending of apartheid and establishing multiracial elections. He was elected the first black President of South Africa in 1994. While in power he focused on fighting racism, inequality, and poverty in South Africa. Mandela retired his presidency in 1999 and made his last public appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Nelson Mandela died December 5th, 2013 in Johannesburg. Throughout his early life, his imprisonment, and his presidency, Nelson Mandela always stood for change.
“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” (biography). These words spoken by Nelson Mandela created an accurate depiction of who he was. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 fought long and hard for equality in South Africa; he refused to give up after being imprisoned for 27 years. He created lots of positive change and he helped make South Africa a better place (Nelson Mandela). His actions and persistence have inspired many, and he proved that anything is possible with hard work, and that hard work will always pay off.
“In my country we go to prison first and then become President”. Nelson Mandela along with the ANC made what seemed impossible a reality. In this essay you will find out how the ANC was successful against Apartheid. I will also inform you about Nelson Mandela, and before and after the apartheid.
Nelson Mandela played an important role in the abolition of Apartheid. He helped start and lead some of the riots and protests that led to black rights, and he spent a long time in prison to pay for it. He inspired many people. As he said, quoting Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world… We are all meant to shine (Williamson).” Overall, he played a very important role in abolishing Apartheid in South Africa.
Apartheid taught the whole world a lesson that all human beings are equal no matter what color or gender they are. Mandela was able to see the light of hope even in his darkest times. He let love, peace, and true justice reign in himself, in his people, and in South Africa. Mandela truly was the last hope of peace and freedom for the nation of South Africa and also the greatest enemy of apartheid (Downing, 2004).
When Nelson Mandela was nine years old, his father died and he was sent to a village far away from home, in another part of South Africa. While he was there, he saw many fellow Africans. Some poor, most powerless, all downtrodden. At that point, his mind was made up that he would work to protect them. When the government began to segregate sides because of skin color, Mandela spoke out and fought for his people, fighting hard to make his country a free and equal place.
Thinking of the great man Nelson Mandela, you can not help but think of a great man of peace and perseverance. The past 100 years of world history has been monumental in the advancement of anti segregation and anti apartheid movement, and Mandela has been right there in the middle of it all. Being elected as the first black South African President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela focused his time on combating institutionalized racism and promoting equality. He’s been thrown in jail and called a terrorist by a handful in relation to the millions who hold him in high respect because he’s managed to get back up one more time than he’s been thrown down. Mandela is an inspiration to many for his dedication to his work and will forever displa...
Introduction
Social-political climate, background and education:
Mandela was born July 18, 1918 in the South African village of Mvezo . The social and political climate during this time was one of a divided land and people. The overall mindset of South Africa was that blacks were an inferior race. Racism became not just in mindset but also in law. Harsh segregation made racism status in quo.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 into a noble family, in a South