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.
Nelson Mandela on his release from Jail.
Three men were about to be executed by the firing squad. In their time in prison they had meticulously planned their way to freedom.
The first man was brought forward and before they could shoot him he yelled “avalanche“! The firing squad panicked and, in the confusion that ensued, the man jumped over the wall and into freedom before the firing squad could regroup.
The second man thought that their plan was working and indeed what the first man did was clever. When he was brought forward for his execution, he yelled “earthquake“! Again, the firing squad panicked and the second man took advantage of it to jump over the wall and into freedom.
The third man was by now convinced that their plan was foolproof. He saw the pattern: Yell and a shout of impending disaster and then during confusion jump over the wall. When he was finally brought forward, and as the squad we locking in their target, with a smirk on his face he yelled “Fire”!
On a serious note this is not the kind of freedom we are discussing here. On 18th July every year, world celebrates International Mandela day in reverence to a man who was to Africa what Mahatma Gandhi was to India.
The South African activist and former president Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) helped bring an end to apartheid and has been a global advocate for human rights. A member of the African National Congress party beginning in the 1940s, he was a leader of both peaceful protests and armed resistance against the white minority’s oppressive regime in a racially divided South Africa. His actions landed him in prison for nearly three decades and made him the face of the antiapartheid movement both within his country and internationally. Released in 1990, he participated in the eradication of apartheid and in 1994 became the first Black president of South Africa, forming a multiethnic government to oversee the country’s transition. After retiring from politics in 1999, he remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own nation and around the world until his death in 2013 at the age of 95.
Nelson Mandela has left us a legacy of forgiveness, reconciliation and his pledge for freedom for everybody, no matter their race or color. His 10 famous quotes are in a nutshell how we should perform and lead our lives.
- Never Abandon hope or give up.
The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.” – Nelson Mandela
- Learn the art of compromise
“You mustn’t compromise your principles, but you mustn’t humiliate the opposition. No one is more dangerous than one who is humiliated.” – Nelson Mandela
- Violence is not the answer
“We can’t win a war, but we can win an election.” – Nelson Mandela
- Don’t be put off by difficulties
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
- Learn how to forgive
“If there are dreams of a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to that goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.” – Nelson Mandela
- How kind are you?
I believe that in the end that it is kindness and accommodation that are all the catalysts for real change. - Bond by sharing experience
“I dream of Africa which is at peace with itself.” – Nelson Mandela
- Fight discrimination
“I detest racialism because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.” – Nelson Mandela - Draw a line under your past
“We don’t have to be victims of our past, that we can let go of our bitterness, and that all of us can achieve greatness.” – Nelson Mandela - An unconquerable spirit
Mandela’s approach to life when he finally retired was, “Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically.”
Today as the world remembers the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of our time, indeed of any time. Nelson Mandela was decisive in dismantling the structures of apartheid. His example set South Africa on a path of dialogue and reconciliation. He was a giant for justice, as we call it, and he touched our lives deeply.
As we celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day every year on 18th July let us ponder on the legacy of a man who changed the 20th century and helped shape the 21st. This is a moment for all to understand the values that inspired Nelson Mandela.
With my warmest regards to you all.
By: Agnelo Fernandes
Ward : 12
(Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is an adaption from various websites and is for general information only)