World Mourns Death of Nelson Mandela, South African Leader and Anti-Apartheid Head

Nelson Mandela, stalwart leader of anti-apartheid movement and first black president of South Africa, has passed away. He was 95.

Symbol of strong character

Mandela’s grim sufferings as a prisoner in South Africa for 27 years and his ensuing accomplishments as anti-apartheid leader and first black president in his country established him as a person of supreme integrity. A true symbol of enduring character, principle, honor and resilience, Mandela was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. From the time his term as president ended and up to his old age, he had served as inspiration and freedom icon to many people in both the government and private sectors.

Great loss

In an announcement made by current South African President Jacob Zuma, he said that the country has virtually lost a son whose legacy continues to influence people with or with no political affiliation. Zuma stated: “Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.”

Recurring illness

Due to a recurring infection in the lungs, Mandela was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria in June this year where he had stayed for almost three months. He died today, December 5, 2013, Pacific time, in his home in Johannesburg.

The former president will be given a full state funeral according to Zuma. Mourning Mandela’s death, President Barack Obama referred to the former president as one of the bravest, most respected and genuinely marvelous persons in the world.

Brave prisoner

For standing up against apartheid or racial segregation in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years. When he arrived in his cell in 1964, he was forced into a small space with no bed and toilet. He was forced to do hard work in a quarry and was allowed to see one visitor once a year for only half an hour. His communications were screened and he would receive only one letter every six months. The anguish that he suffered in prison however did not deter him from his determination to continue opposing apartheid. He then rose to be the leader of his fellow prisoners.

According to Neville Alexander, a prison comrade of Mandela, “He always made the point, if they say you must run, insist on walking. If they say you must walk fast, insist on walking slowly. That was his whole point. We are going to set the terms.” In the end, Mandela’s leadership ripened while in prison and by the time he was set free, he was ready to lead South Africans toward a government of democracy.

Moral leader

In spite of the oppression and afflictions that he went through, Nelson Mandela had maintained an upright disposition throughout his life. He evolved into a moral leader who spread the message of forgiveness and peace among all citizens of the world. Vengeance is a word that Mandela never advocated as he peacefully negotiated for apartheid to end and exhorted forgiveness for the white officials in government who put him to jail.

From the very lips of the late Nelson Mandela these words of forgiveness are now immortalized in his death: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” This was his statement when he was finally released from jail in 1990.

Photo Credit: Nelson Mandela