Nelson Mandela, known to his followers as Madiba or Tata, is known for his anti–apartheid movement, as well as his five year term as South Africa’s first black President.
His term started in 1994 and ended in 1999, and during his time as President, his government tackled the issues of institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation.
After his five year term as president, Mandela wanted a quiet family life, but after finding this difficult, he reverted back to a busier life, wherein he founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which focused on rural development, school construction, and combating HIV/AIDS, an issue close to Mandela, as one of his children died of AIDS.
Even though Mandela had retired from politics, he still shared his views on politics in other contries. Publicly Mandela criticised “Western powers”, such as the 1990 NATO intervention in Kosovo, and the plans for the US and the UK to launch war in Iraq. He even criticised the treatment of Megrahi, who was being held in Barlinnie prison in Scotland.
Nelson Mandela announced he was “retiring from retirement” in June 2004, and retreated from the public eye, even denying most interview requests. He kept some involvement in international affairs, until February 2011.
During 2011-2013 Madiba was hospitalised for a respiratory infection, until on 23rd June 2013 his condition became critical. On the 5th December 2013, Madiba died surrounded by his family; however he will never be forgotten, as his life will be remembered not only by his family and friends, but the entire world as being one of the greatest minds to ever grace the Earth.
Mandela Day is a day which celebrates both his birthday and his achievements and hardships throughout his entire life. We reflect on what he tried to teach, not only South Africa, but the entire world, through his anti – apartheid movement.
Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered for years to come, through teaching in schools, through politics, through his family and friends, and through his wise words, which “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Nelson Mandela
Born: 18 July 1918Died: 6 December 2013
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