No man could accomplish this without the aid of an organized group of purpose driven people and the hope that one day justice would prevail. Before Barack Obama was elected as president of the USA, Nelson Mandela gave the world a totally different image of a nation's leader that cared for the people. This imagery and his style of leadership showed the world that peace could be achieved against all odds. A boy who some said was a troublemaker became a real life revolutionary, who initially practiced nonviolent resistance, then embraced violent terror tactics, then realized that a world political movement would break apartheid system of racial segregation.
Nelson Mandela was arrested and sent to prison in 1962 for his political activism. When testifying before the Supreme Court of South Africa,
Mandela said
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of African people. 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 idea which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an idea for which I am prepared to die."While in prison he studied with the University of London by correspondence and earned a degree in Law. While in prison, his reputation grew and he bacame the most significant black leader in South Africa.He was classified as a political prisoner and was kept separate from ordinary prisoners. He was only allowed one visitor and one letter every six months.
Mandiba was held in various prisons until 1990 when he was released by president F.W. de Klerk. His release from prison was broadcast live on televisions all over the world. But his business was not finished.
" Our resort to the armed struggle in 1960 was a purely defensive action against the violence of apartheid. The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today. We have no option but to continue. We express the hope that a climate conducive to a negotiated settlement would be created soon, so that there may be no longer be the need for the armed struggle."
Following his release from prison, Nelson Mandela returned to the leadership of the ANC and by 1994 he had successfully negotiated with the South African government which led to the country's first multi-racial elections. On May 10, 1994 he was inaugurated as the country's first black President with de Klerk as his first deputy.
Another famous leader, Solomon wrote Proverbs 24:13-14
"My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off."
Happy Birthday Madiba and thank you for your life's work.
