Feature

A Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Carys Jacobs, Reporter/Photographer|December 15, 2013

[Untitled Photo of Nelson Mandela]. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/16/young-mandela-david-smith

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela.

[Untitled photo of Nelson Mandela]. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from: http://consortiumnews.com/2013/07/02/sanitizing-nelson-mandela/

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has made an impact in the world that will never be forgotten. Mandela was born on July 18^th, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa. Mandela was not only a civil rights activist, but a writer and a world leader. In his 20’s, Mandela became involved in the anti-apartheid movement. In 1942, he became a member of the National Congress. In 1944, Mandela helped form

the ANC Youth League. In 1952, Mandela became the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign. For 20 years, Nelson Mandela directed a campaign of nonviolent defiance against the South African government because of its racist policies. Mandela once stated, “I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its

manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days.” Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and in the year 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected President. He was also South Africa’s first ever black president.

Nelson Mandela was considered by the world to be a hero. He was a man who risked his life for his strong beliefs of racial equality and peace, and his life-long efforts made our world a better place. He believed so deeply in racial equality that he was willing to spend 27 years in imprisonment for standing up for what he believed in. Mandela once said, “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 for which I am prepared to die.” Throughout his years, Mandela fought for equality. He serves as an inspiration to not only the oppressed, but to all people who are against oppression in this world. In 1999, Nelson Mandela stepped down after one term as president of South Africa, yet he continued to work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

[Untitled photo of Nelson Mandela]. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from: http://theelders.org/e/43/index.html

“We know all South Africans and indeed the world join us in this profound sense of loss and sadness on the death of our beloved Founder, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” says Hamba kahle Madiba. People traveled from all over the world to attend Nelson Mandela’s memorial at the Johannesburg FNB Stadium. Some of the world’s most influential political, religious, and human rights leaders attended the memorial to pay tribute to Mandela. President Obama spoke about Mandela’s life and legacy and called him “a giant of history,” and thanked the people of South Africa “for sharing him with us.” He also stated, “He gave hope to the oppressed,” and “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.” President Obama told the world that Mandela had kept his country together at a time it threatened to break apart. Memorials for Mandela are happening all around the world. Recently hundreds traveled to the Mandela family complex and Jongisiswe Dali, a grandson of Mandela, stated, “My grandfather was a freedom icon for the whole world… we are trying to keep his legacy alive in our little place here.”Nelson Mandela meant so much to the world that his birthday is known as “Mandela Day” to promote global peace and to celebrate his legacy. He was truly one of the most influential and impactful people the world has ever known, and his memory will live on in the hearts of every person whose life he has touched.

“Biography.” – Nelson Mandela Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

“Nelson Mandela Biography.” Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.

“Nelson Mandela Memorial: Obama, World Leaders Join Singing Crowds.” PEOPLE.com. N.p., 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

Gumuchian, Marie-Louise, Michael Pearson, Athena Jones, Holly Yan, Chris Cuomo, Kim Norgaard, Robin Curnow, Arwa Damon, and David McKenzie. “Obama Praises ‘giant of History’ at Mandela Memorial.” CNN. Cable News Network, 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.