Nelson Mandela of South Africa is one of the most important figures of the last century. He was symbol of the struggle against racial and political oppression, and a model for sustaining that struggle with grace and decency. Born into an elite family of the Thembu people, Mandela could have had an elevated place under European control, but he chose a different route. He became a successful lawyer, political activist, national leader, fugitive guerrilla, and finally a prisoner of South Africa's brutal white supremacist apartheid regime. After 25 years in prison, Mandela walked free to become the first black president in South Africa's first multi-racial election. Refusing to equate victory with revenge, he called on both supporters and former oppressors to work to heal his fragile country. Mandela realized his place in African democracy, so he set an example by relinquishing power after his term in office. He has since gone on to become a beloved international figure who will be missed.
He was a son of Africa who became father to a nation and, for billions of people around the world, a beacon of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of opposition. Now, acclaimed poet Maya Angelou honors the life and remarkable soul of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel laureate. In His Day is Done, Angelou delivers an authentically heartfelt and elegant tribute to Mandela, who stood as David to the mighty Goliath of Apartheid and who, after twenty-seven years of unjust imprisonment on the notorious Robben Island, emerged with “His stupendous heart intact / His gargantuan will / Hale and hearty” to lead his people into a new era. This poignant work of gratitude and remembrance offers condolences to the resilient people of South Africa on the loss of their beloved “Madiba” and celebrates a man like no other, whose life and work changed the world. Praise for His Day Is Done “Moving and heartfelt.”—The Washington Post “A powerful, gripping tribute.”—NewsOne “[His Day Is Done captures] how many were feeling.”—BBC News
This book by Reggie Kasaval is racy, witty, and exciting. It is a tale of triumph for it conveys values, builds morale, shows the development of a role model, and reveals the inner mechanisms of community and that of a champion comrade viz. Nelson Mandela. Dr. Brian Naidoo
A collection of some YouTube videos, as well as thoughts and writings on the great man,- who has inspired many of my writings from "the beloved country". What one man (or person) can do with a noble cause... one far bigger than oneself! A tribute to the symbolic presence of dignity and strength."One man* can make a difference."- Robert Kennedy* or rather 'person' in today's world"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others."- John F Kennedy"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- Martin Luther King, Jr (1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Prize Winner, 1964)"Violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul."So eulogises Robert Kennedy after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in April 1998.Just started putting together my writings (in the form of a collection of my various articles) on Madiba, so thought I'd share. Thank you sincerely what you have done for South Africa...and the world. This is for you, an icon of reconciliation and the pursuit of freedom and ultimate peaceMay we all aspire to your immense generosity of spirit, 'Madiba' (his Xhosa clan name)Enjoycraig 29th July in the year 2013 * * "Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts."- Nelson Mandela"Peace is the greatest weapon for development, that any people can have."- Madiba"One year after his inaugeration as State President in 1994 , talking of the challenges South Africa faced, Mandela said: 'We as a nation are engaged in ongoing debate in our country on how to give freedom of expression real meaning. If this is to be the case, people should not only have the right to hear what others say, but also themselves be heard. Only in this way can they become active participants in changing their lives for the better.' Changing lives for the better was always going to be a difficult, almost impossible task. He had inherited a county torn by decades of strife and death, with more than half of the 40 million + population lacking electricity or workable sewage, 12 million with no clean water supplies and a third being illiterate.Nelson Mandela may not have achieved all his goals during his five-year tenure in office, but hr tried and he made a start. It is now up to others to ensure that they can fulfil Nelson Mandela's vision for his South Africa. It's to be hoped that they have the same commitment that he did.""Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God.Your playing small does not serve the world.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking;so that other people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciouslygive other people permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear,our presence automatically liberates others."- Marianne WilliamsonI love these words from Marianne Williamson as used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugeration speech as State President at South Africa's first Democratic Election in 1994. I have admired and respected 'Madiba' for many years - for his "immense generosity of spirit", graciousness and the nobility of his unique spirit of reconciliation". And I have added a few lines of my own...
Man of the People documents the development of Mandela as a political leader, and also as a family man and friend. Magubane presents some of his most famous political photographs depicting Mandela as a leader through the various stages of the struggle.
Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013 (Rest in Peace Madiba) Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. For most South Africans, Nelson Mandela is the father of their nation and many even called him "Tata", a Xhosa word for father. It was sometimes forgotten that he was also a real father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband He earned a place in history alongside the likes of another father of a nation, Mahatma Gandhi. But there was a fundamental difference between these beloved men. Persuasive arguments paint Gandhi as a dismal family man. By all accounts, Mandela was a strong and loving family man. Even so, Mandela and his family paid dearly in the currency of sacrifice and pain for his commitment to his country's freedom. Mandela himself offered a glimpse into his personal war. "To be the father of a nation is a great honour, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy. But it was a joy I had far too little of," he said in April 1992.
