Nelson Mandela – Man of the people
Mandela is the best example of how life is all about fighting to get back up, when life pushes you down. His effort to bring a peaceful transition to a democratic society was uncompromising. Nelson Mandela is the leader who walked the talk and illustrated how ‘one’ life can change the world! Some inspiring life lessons we can learn from Mandela’s life are:
1. Perseverance: In 1962, Mandela was captured by the government and was sentenced to hard labour at Robben Island in South Africa. He was released from prison in 1990 at the age of 71. The Government tried to bend him by restricting his moments and actions, but he refused to bend. His courage and perseverance never allowed him to stop the revolution!
2. His Vision: When Mandela was sent to jail, his vision to end apartheid was an unconquerable goal! But still he envisioned it! The power of his vision to get a free and democratic South Africa gave him the strength to fight! He became the first democratically-elected president of South Africa in1994 and served in that position for five years.
3. Forgiveness: He spent 27 years of his life in jail yet Mandela understood that he could never show his bitterness and what he needed to show was the face of forgiveness. He forgave all jailers who made him struggle and the system who made him a stranger in his own country.
4. He Inspires: More than anyone in the world, Nelson Mandela embodies the hopes and dreams of a true, lasting justice and equality, not just for South Africans but for all people. Through his unselfish and constant presence on the international stage raising awareness about AIDS, peace, debt relief, the environment he inspires us to think responsibly of our fellow men and of our planet..
Remembering this true hero and Legend on his Birth Centenary today, his life struggle and his rise like a Phoenix will inspire hope for many generations to come.
