Remembering Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela International Day, first declared by the UN and celebrated in 2009, was celebrate this year on Mandela's birthday, July 18 2014, for the first time since Mandela's death. The day is meant to honour Mandela and to remind people of his life and work, to encourage others to fight for peace, combat poverty and work for a better world for everyone. Today, all over the world, leaders and citizens are considering the life of the former president of South African, and considering how they can contribute in the wake of his death last December.

Nelson Mandela, the son of a chief and the grandson of a king, led a legendary life. He became the first black president of South African, elected in 1994, after serving 27 years in prison on a charge of conspiring to overthrow the government. As a student at the University of Witwatersran, where he was the only native black student enrolled, Mandela became acquainted with activists, and began working to oppose colonization. He attained a leadership position in the African National Congress and worked in campaigns to end apartheid, the government-enforced segregation of South Africa. In 1962, he was arrested for his anti-government activities, and tried for sabotage and conspiracy. After a guilty verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison. In prison, Mandela was kept in a small damp cell, and performed forced labour during the day. In 1990, Mandela was finally released. South African president F.W. De Klerk and Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and the country's first election for people of all races was held the year after that.

Mandela's subsequent presidency saw the unification of the ACN and the Afrikaners in South Africa and the end of apartheid. Leaders in many fields throughout the world consider Mandela an influence, including Tunde Folawiyo. For more on the businessman’s life and interests, readers can find post from Tunde Folawiyo on YouTube. Mandela's legacy is one of courage, long-suffering, and ultimately peace. Even with threats to his life (he faced the possibility of the death penalty after his 1962 arrest), Mandela maintained his principles. After spending nearly three decades is prison, he emerged not seeking revenge, but peace, justice and equal treatment under the law for all of the citizens of South Africa. The largest lesson from Mandela's life may be to forgive your enemies, and it is advice we still need to hear today.

The Legacy of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

The passing of Nelson Mandela deeply affected not only his home country of South Africa, but the continent of Africa and the world as a whole. The civil rights leader, through his thoughts, actions and principals, paved the way for an international discussion about the injustices of apartheid. His legacy continues to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others who have may be familiar with the story of Nelson Mandela and the amazing strides he made in conquering social injustices.

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, Nelson Mandela, a.k.a Rolihlahla, was born. The nickname “Nelson” came from a teacher during his years of schooling. Mandela attended college at the College of Fort Hare and later, the University of Witwatersrand from which he received a law degree. It was here that Mandela became acquainted with like-minded individuals who sought an end to apartheid.

As a leader in the African National Congress, Mandela pushed for the congress and protesters to follow in the footsteps of Mohandas Gandhi, utilising his non-violence approach to conflict. After some time, Mandela began to doubt the effectiveness of this ideal and as such, initiated an armed branch of the ANC. Later classified as a terrorist by the South African government, Mandela was sentenced to serve 27 years in prison. His incarceration brought international attention toward the anti-apartheid movement and rather than abandon his ideals in exchange for release, Mandela served his time at Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. He was released in 1990 and upon this, continued his campaign to end apartheid.

Mandela’s efforts to end apartheid garnered world-wide respect. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Due in part to his labours, citizens of all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election, demonstrating the social change that was about to be set forth. With this election, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Whilst this ruling came an intense backlash and whilst the opportunity for violent conflict was present, Nelson called for calm and peace, ultimately preventing a major civil war.

After many health struggles, Nelson Mandela passed on December 5 of 2013 at the age of 95. The world mourned as this civil rights leader was put to rest, leaving behind his wife Graça Machel, six children, twenty grandchildren and millions upon millions of admirers, including Tunde Folawiyo. His legacy will forever provide a source of encouragement for those facing social injustice. Without his undying dedication and enduring principals, the country of South Africa and other African countries may not have.

A look at the life of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

Nelson Mandela was an activist from South Africa, who served as the country's president for several years. He was instrumental in bringing an end to apartheid, and throughout his life, remained an advocate for human rights. He became a member of the ANC (African National Congress) in his twenties, and led many protests (both peaceful and armed) against the oppressive regime which has been implemented by the white minority.

Born in 1918 to the Chief of the Madiba clan, Mandela could have claimed his chieftainship during his late teens, but instead chose to study for his law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. He then joined the above-mentioned ANC, and went on to become its Youth League leader. Being familiar with Mandela's life, Tunde Folawiyo is no doubt aware that during his time within this organisation, Mandela played an important role in the public opposition of the National Party's apartheid policies.

He worked as a lawyer for many years of his life; during this time, he was frequently arrested for encouraging people to stand up to the ruling party. His political and philosophical beliefs were largely informed by Marxism; this led to him joining the SACP (South African Communist Party) and becoming a member of its Central Committee. Whilst he originally favoured peaceful protests, his views changed somewhat after he became involved with the SACP, and in 1961, he co-founded a group called Umkhonto we Sizwe, through which he created a campaign designed to overthrow the apartheid government. He was arrested the following year, and after a lengthy trial, was sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent 27 years behind bars.

He was released in 1990; soon afterwards, he worked with the ANC to set up negotiations with the National Party, so that they could put an end to apartheid, and created a multi-racial government. Mandela's efforts resulted in him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just three years after his release from prison. Due to his tireless work, the country's first ever multi-racial parliamentary elections were held in 1994; 22 million people voted, and the ANC won the majority. Mandela was then named as the president of South Africa.

During his term, he established an organisation called Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated accusations of human rights violations that had taken place under apartheid. He also launched many economic, education and housing initiatives aimed to improve the quality of life for South Africa's black population. Tunde Folawiyo might recall that in 2009, the UN named Mandela's birthday, July 18th, as 'Nelson Mandela International Day', as a means of honouring the work which he had done over the course of his lifetime. Mandela passed away in December of 2013, after a prolonged period of ill health.