Nelson Mandela Is the Definition of a Legendary Leader

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is the definition of a legendary leader. He liberated South Africans from turmoil. He sacrificed his freedom, personal relationships, and suffering to save the lives of many. And, he partnered with different countries to help make South Africa a better place. Nelson Mandela was seen as a statesman, celebrity, and legendary leader around the world. This paper will discuss Nelson Mandela’s background, training, and education as well as his accomplishments. This paper will also analyze Mandela’s leadership styles, and how he adjusted and evolved his personality traits throughout his life to become a better leader. Finally, the paper will discuss Nelson Mandela’s global impact and partnerships.

Background, training, and education

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in a village in South Africa. Before his father died and the king regent of the Tembu branch of the Xhosa adopted him, Mandela learned of the “pre-colonial African past and the supposedly democratic and uncorrupted tribal society {of} unity, peace, and autonomy” (Lieberfeld, 2004) from the oral histories of tribal elders. When he was adopted, he was sent to Methodist missionary schools where he learned of British constitution and politics, and “sharpened his skills in reasoned argument and debate (Lieberfeld, 2004). Throughout his time in missionary schools, Mandela was led to a broader African nationalism by getting rid of the idea that his race was superior to any other race (Lieberfeld, 2004).

Mandela then went on to the University of Forte Hare and achieved his bachelor’s degree and then to University of Witwatersrand for a bachelor degree in law (Irwin, 2009). Upon graduation, Mandela met and was given a job by Walter Sisulu in a Jewis...

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...to sustain and further efforts to strengthen the rule of law, protect human rights and promote national reconciliation” (The Elders, n.d.).

Conclusion

Nelson Mandela was truly a global and legendary leader. Within South Africa, Mandela worked toward a free country, and his efforts and accomplishments proved to be critical to the eventual outcome of the anti-apartheid movement. On a global scale, he partnered with numerous countries and leaders to improve South Africa’s economic and social status. In particular he partnered with other countries over the issues of anti-apartheid, AIDS, economic sanctions against South Africa, and poverty. Ultimately, he helped found a global organization that brought global leaders together to fight for peace and human rights around the world. He inspired people around the world to work together for peace, a true global leader.