Mandela – Prisoner 46664, rebel, warrior, leader, unifier

On Thursday 5^th of December the world lost a leader who not only changed a country but influenced leaders and people across the world.

He had a unique life and one that had many challenges. However he seemed to overcome these with grace and dignity.

Mandela trained as a lawyer and became the leader of the African National Congress that was fighting against the Afrikaner regime.

In 1962 he was given life imprisonment for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government and was imprisoned for 27 long years. He was held on Robben Island in harsh conditions, completely hidden from public view. However Mandela did have a constant view to his beloved country across the waters.

 

At the end of his trial, Mandela gave a now iconic 4 hour speech in which he said: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination," he said. "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 ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

Even in prison he fought for rights of prisoners, which led to them to improved access to newspapers, radio, quality food and the right to study.

He was released in 1990 and South Africa began to move away from racial segregation. FW de Clerk, the last white President, ordered his release, called him a "unifier" and said he had "a remarkable lack of bitterness".   

Both de Clerk and Mandela jointly won the Nobel Peace prize in 1993.

Four years after he was released he became the first black president of South Africa. There is a wonderful image that many may remember of Mandela holding de Clerk’s hand up with his arms around him. The image resounded unity not just in South Africa but around the world.

In 1995 he used the rugby World Cup to unite the nation. Walking onto the field, wearing Afrikaner Francois Pienaar’s number 6. The almost entirely white crowd chanted his name and this simple act made a statement and bought Afrikaner’s and South Africans into the new South Africa.

Mandela message was always one of forgiveness and reconciliation. He peacefully negotiated an end to segregation, he had every reason to be bitter however rose above it. In fact he became the nation’s conscience as South Africa went on a journey of healing from the scars of apartheid.

"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," Mandela said after he was freed in 1990 

As you read about the life of Mandela you realise that he played many complex roles in his life, he was a freedom fighter, an activist, a prisoner, a unifier and lastly an elder statesman.

He had a steely gaze and a big wide smile. He was tall and many said he had an aura around him of dignity rarely seen. Twenty seven long years did not break this man, instead it made him iconic.

When you measure world leaders against Mandela most fall short, for those of us who have watched this man we have truly been blessed to be around in his time.

At the age of 86 Mandela stepped away from public life – “don’t call me, I will call you,” he said.

It is hard for us living in Australia to imagine Apartheid and segregation, what it can do to a person and how it can change attitudes and make you bitter about the system. In fact many left South Africa and immigrated to Australia.

Mandela was clearly special. He was a gracious man and transformational leader. A man his country locked away for 27 long years and yet still returned forgiving and leading his beloved nation on a journey that healed and changed it forever.

He called for an end to the bloodshed and forged a democratic political path for South Africa. By enabling blacks to not just vote but also participate in government, he made South Africa a global player. He proudly coined it the “Rainbow nation” in his inaugural speech.

He said: “We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”

He was a generous man, doing a lot of work on the issue of Aids/HIV, a disease he lost a son to.

“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace,”

"I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries," he said. "The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."

Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, you have taught us many lessons and as generations learn about you, you will continue to teach them.