Nelson Mandela, an internationally recognized figure in this divisive world – was he a true hero or simply a politician? His imprisonment for 27 years for challenging his nation’s government that violated human rights, equality, and worldwide poverty raises the question: should Africa celebrate this? Regrettably, the answer is a resounding “no.” Nelson Mandela, my personal idol, a man of immense fame,
who conquered black supremacy in Africa, healed his country’s divisions in the pursuit of equal rights,
and revived humanity through his extraordinary political voyage.
And why? Well, why not. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” This quote from Nelson Mandela is my favorite as it showcases his dedication to eradicating racism and fostering harmony in our fragmented society. I firmly hold the belief that Nelson Mandela’s primary objective and aspiration was battling against racism.
He set out his dreams and ran with his heart, his audience was the black community and his goal was to make them believe in themselves, even if he was part of the audience, his selfless soul put others first and made himself believe as well. To start off his adventurous journey, Nelson Mandela joined a black community supporting political party: the ANT (African National Congress). Nelson and his other 155 visionaries tried for years to get the black community to support them and help them stand up against the government.
Rallies were attended, and often turned violent due to the hatred towards the South African government. Unexpectedly, all 156 visionaries were arrested for high treason and had to endure a grueling 5-year trial. In 1962, Mandela was once again arrested, this time for traveling without a passport and engaging in violent acts against the government. As punishment, he received a life imprisonment sentence on Robben Island. Life imprisonment! In my opinion, this worsened the situation for the government because the African population began to admire Nelson more and more and embrace his ideas while he was in jail.
During his 27-year imprisonment, Nelson Mandela emerged as the foremost leader for black South Africans. In 1990, he was freed and became president of South Africa. Despite facing fear and adversity, Mandela saw himself as an ordinary man confronting extraordinary circumstances and triumphed. He not only gained people’s support but also captured their attention with his wise words. Now it was time to turn those words into action as a safety net.
Thanks to the people, supporters, and believers, Nelson Mandela achieved his position as a leader. His compassion and acceptance towards others, coupled with his unwavering convictions and determination, enabled him to govern effectively and with great strength. As a result, he became not only a hero to me but also to his fellow countrymen. They shared their hopes with him, and he fulfilled them. However, Nelson’s presidency came to an end when he chose to resign after completing a successful single term. Nevertheless, this decision did not diminish his stature as a man or lessen his esteemed status as a hero.
The love in the heart of an elderly man, formerly known as Rosen, inspired him to continue aiding his people, country, and world. Nelson Mandela became involved in the devastating South African AIDS epidemic that claims numerous lives in his nation. He also drew attention to poverty not only among his own people but internationally.
Mandela founded The Elders project, commencing in 2007 and bringing together independent leaders from various parts of the globe. Their objective was to publicly and privately work towards “supporting courage where there is fear, fostering agreement where there is conflict, and inspiring hope where there is despair,” as expressed by Mandela himself.
Mandela’s journey aimed at attaining freedom, healing his people, and reconstructing his country to the best of his abilities. The pain he encountered along this path was not fictional; it was a brutal reality. Nevertheless, he did not cease; instead, he persevered and established a groundwork for future leaders to follow so that the flame he ignited never extinguishes.
Despite facing difficult circumstances from a young age, such as fleeing an arranged marriage at 1 and being charged with treason multiple times by the South African government for his efforts to help others, Nelson Mandela persevered and spoke out proudly. However, this situation mirrors today’s global state of affairs, where we often deny people the chance to express themselves. It is crucial that individuals can freely share their ideas and honest opinions without fearing judgment, creating a better world for everyone.
We should, as a nation and global community, adopt Mandela’s strategy: establish our objectives, diligently strive for them, and consistently challenge ourselves daily. In the quest for these goals, “A walk to freedom” epitomizes Mandela’s ambitions in life. Mandela himself discussed his personal voyage towards freedom, serving as motivation for others to persevere against adversity and refuse to surrender, even when failure seems inevitable. “I have journeyed that difficult path to freedom.”
Despite my mistakes, I have strived to remain steadfast. Along the way, I have discovered a hidden truth: every obstacle conquered reveals countless more to overcome. However, freedom brings obligations that allow only brief pauses. My journey is still far from complete.” Nelson Mandela’s life echoed the experiences of heroes and conquerors who eventually find rest as their journeys come to an end. On December 5th, 2013, after accomplishing remarkable and fearless feats during his 95 years on this planet, he was laid to rest.
Nelson Mandela’s journey may have concluded in this world, but his teachings and guidance will endure as lasting legacies. His impact is timeless, shaping an imperfect yet remarkable world. I dare not envision a multitude of individuals similar to Nelson Mandela emerging, as it is an extraordinary and infrequent event that occurs only once or twice in a lifetime. Amidst the abundance of viewpoints, what we truly desire is often what we genuinely need – role models who inspire and serve as examples.
Nelson Mandela, whom I affectionately refer to by his true name, Railhead, is my hero. I aspire to emulate his compassionate nature, optimistic mindset, and ability to surpass others’ expectations. In today’s fast-paced society, our minds are often constantly occupied or easily adaptable, yet regardless of the circumstances, it is essential to rely on our heroes for guidance. With Nelson Mandela as an example to look up to, we must never surrender, always strive towards progress, and refuse to accept any limitations. Nelson Mandela epitomizes what it truly means to be a hero.
