Over the course of the last few weeks, Nelson Mandela, the out-going South-African anti-apartheid activist has been admitted at a hospital due to a recurring lung infection. The past South African president, whose life represents courage, hardship and perseverance, has been treated for his ailment before, but not quite to the same extent. Over the stay, his condition has fluctuated and brought on country-wide and eventually world-wide sympathy and concern. The man, who brought way for freedom and coexistence in South Africa, called for societal reform and gave hope for many others around the world, has led an extraordinary life, to be remembered for generations to come. With what impends, I felt it necessary for us to remember our dear revolutionary through his actions and life story.
Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 is a remote township in South Africa. He was born into the family of a town counselor, but his father died young. During his childhood years, South Africa was governed by the British. With the British bias, he was named Nelson by the primary school he attended near his township. He continued his education and eventually went to the Wesleyan College in Fort Beaufort, wielding a strong Christian religious basing bestowed to him by teachings from his devout mother.
His anti-imperialist thoughts were fueled throughout his time in Fort Beaufort and his later education. He saw the apartheid’s effects and felt for change along with many other boys his age. In his new all-black college, he studied for a degree. He was suspended from college for involvement in a boycott against the quality of food at the college. With many friends and connections, Mandela soon became involved in the ANC movement and informally attended meeting. Finally, in 1943, he finished his BA degree left unfinished from Beaufort.
Dedicated for the demolition of the apartheid, he went on to found the ANCYL, the Youth League of the African National Congress. After becoming more involved
and organizing meeting and eventually revolts, he was detained shortly after the Sharpeville Massacre. The ANC was banned in 1960, but the relentless Mandela went underground to the formation of a new lobbying group, the MK.
Nelson spent the next few years for military training and organization of his group. After inciting a revolution he was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment with other revolutionaries of his time. At his time in Robben Island, the dejected leader was not allowed visits from family and was given hard work. He frequently became ill and was diagnosed with prostate cancer, tuberculosis and pneumonia. After years of imprisonment, he was finally let out during rule of South African president FW de Klerk, due to public initiation. He quickly grew in fame and was voted president of South Africa in 1994. During this time as the president, Mandela remained neutral and pushed for reconciliation. He called for equality for all and respect.
After all the years of imprisonment, Mandela still held a positive attitude towards his former rivals, the facilitators of his hardships. Throughout his time, Mandela was president of South Africa, won the Nobel Prize, but what we all treasure are his values and his courage that will be carried on forever.
Thank you Madiba(local name)!