Father of Modern South Africa and Trailblazer of Unity, Freedom and Equality

No one is born hating another person because of the colour 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.
— Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom

Who is Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a renowned South African leader and anti-apartheid icon who dedicated his life to fighting for freedom, justice and equality. He was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa, and died on December 5, 2013, in Johannesburg.

At an early age, Nelson Mandela's exposure to South Africa's apartheid regime heightened his awareness of racial inequality. He witnessed the systemic oppression faced by black South Africans, experiencing firsthand the disparities in living conditions, education, employment and social mobility. These experiences led him to fight for freedom.

I was born free. Free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother's hut. Free to swim in the clear streams that flowed through my village. Free to roam the hills and valleys, to laugh and play under the sun. I was born free, but I realised that my freedom was not complete, for others around me were not free. And so, I dedicated my life to fighting for their freedom as well.
— Long Walk to Freedom

This realization fuelled Mandela's lifelong dedication to fighting for the freedom of others, propelling him to become a pivotal figure in the struggle against apartheid and the pursuit of a more inclusive and just society.

Nelson Mandela's unwavering commitment to fighting against apartheid and advocating for equal rights posed a significant threat to the apartheid regime, prompting the government to suppress his influential voice and try to dismantle the anti-apartheid movement.

The Rivonia Trial

In 1964, he was charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid government, and the Rivonia Trial in 1964 resulted in Mandela and his co-accused receiving life sentences. Mandela's imprisonment aimed to silence him and undermine the movement for justice and equality in South Africa.

The words that Nelson Mandela spoke at the Rivonia Trial gained international attention, resonating deeply with people around the world who were captivated by his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the pursuit of a democratic society.

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.
— Nelson Mandela’s “Speech from the Dock,” 20 April 1964

His profound statement, expressing his readiness to sacrifice his life for the ideal of a harmonious and equitable society, not only encapsulated the essence of his struggle against apartheid but also inspired a global movement in support of his cause. Mandela's powerful words from the Rivonia Trial continue to serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication and have become an enduring symbol of hope, courage and the fight for freedom and equality.

A Commitment to Reconciliation

The defining moment that solidified Nelson Mandela as a champion of dialogue was his release from prison in 1990 after serving 27 years. Mandela emerged from prison with an unwavering commitment to reconciliation and a determination to pursue a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. Instead of seeking revenge or perpetuating the cycle of violence, Mandela chose the path of dialogue and negotiation. He engaged in talks with the apartheid government, including then-President F.W. de Klerk, to find a peaceful way forward and bring an end to apartheid.

Mandela's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, foster understanding and seek common ground with his former oppressors demonstrated his exceptional leadership and commitment to a peaceful resolution. This moment marked a significant shift in South Africa's history, leading to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic society. Mandela's dedication to dialogue and reconciliation became a cornerstone of his legacy as a leader and a symbol of hope worldwide. He was elected president of South Africa in 1994.

Quotes from Nelson Mandela

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
— Long Walk to Freedom

It is never my custom to use words lightly. If 27 years in prison have done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.

— Closing address by Nelson Mandela at 13th International Aids Conference, Durban, July 2000

Sources:

https://www.nelsonmandela.org/

Narrated version of The Life and Times of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/06/nelson-mandela-life-quotes