Mandela: A Great Loss to the Society

The world was saddened by the news of Mandela’s death on December 5, 2013. He retired at the age of 95. He may be gone but what he did will never be forgotten. Mandela embodied courage, leadership, compassion and astute understanding which made him a winner of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. Many world leaders and famous personalities extended their condolences to the family.

Nelson Mandela was born in July 18, 1918 at Umtata, South Africa. He was the son of a Xhosa Thembu chief. He was educated at the University of Fort Hare in Alice where he was introduced and eventually became involved in the political efforts against racial discrimination. He was expelled for his participation in student demonstration. He then moved to Johannesburg and that was where completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of South Africa in 1942.

If you want to know more, let us take a closer look at his life.

Lawyer

Mandela pursued law at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He did his best to help people. When he was practicing law, he got arrested many times for treason. In fact, he was tried for treason from 1956-1961. He was acquitted. But in 1962, he was arrested for conspiracy, treason and sabotage. He was sentenced a lifetime imprisonment. After 27 years in prison, he was released in 1990.

Social Activist

Mandela is famous as a social activist. From his early years in school, he knows what to do with his life. Back when he was in college, he was involved in demonstrations and other activities. He does not participate in violent activities though. From his early years, he was a member of the ANC (African National Congress).

Politician

After his life in prison, he continued helping the people. He is known for his anti-apartheid (the segregation of races) advocacies. He used his knowledge and his wisdom to organize ANC who could reach into the grassroots and encourage them to participate in anti-apartheid struggles. He was very serious in ending apartheid. He was then voted president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 making him the first black president of the country.

Philanthropist

He retired in June 1999. Mandela was determined to stay with his family for the remainder of his days. During his retirement, he wrote the sequel to his first autobiography but it was later abandoned. He was used to being busy so he slipped back with his public life. Every day, there was something to do for Mandela. He had meetings with famous people, world leaders and he established his foundation which seeks to fight HIV/AIDS. His foundation also focused on school constructions and rural development.