Nelson Mandela: A flame that can be hidden but never extinguished

Today, the world has lost one of the most inspiring and empowering public figures in history. Nelson Mandela at age 95 passed away this morning. Current South African president, Jacob Zuma said, “He is now resting, he is now at peace. Our nation has lots its greatest son and our people have lost their father.”

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail under the apartheid government for advocating peaceful resistance against government discrimination of people by race and colour. In 1961 he launched a military wing to help fight his cause, ultimately this resulted in him being sent to prison.

Mandela spent 27 years in the desolate Robben Island prison. He slept in a six-foot wide cell and did hard labor in a quarry. Astoundingly, Mandela earned a law degree by correspondence education while he was in prison.

While Mandela spent his time in prison, the worldwide uproar at his incarceration intensified. A global anti-apartheid movement created momentum and a global fight to free him commenced. In 1988 a global “Free Mandela” concert was held at Wembley Stadium involving performing artists including Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Sting singing is his honour.

In 1985 the apartheid government offered to set him free, only if he renounced armed struggle against apartheid. For Mandela, this was never an option and he declined the proposition.

In 1989 Mandela walked free for the first time in 27 years. He spoke to a crowd of thousands on his release saying, “We have waited too long for our freedom. We can no longer wait.” His release instilled faith back in the people of South Africa as their leader returned.

In his first three years out of jail, Mandela pursued negotiations with the South African government to allow multiracial elections, fighting for racial equality throughout the country. Mandela went on to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his courageous and inspiring efforts.

In April 1994, South Africa held its first multiracial election and Mandela became the next South African President. Mandela took on a mission to rebuild the country as one free of racial discrimination, government rebuilding and economic rehabilitation. Mandela famously said. “Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.”

Mandela retired from politics in 1999, however he continued to live as a prominent public figure and continued to inspire the world. He has worked tirelessly on his philanthropic foundation, he has spoken out about AIDS and he continued to fight for a world of peace.

The Mandela legacy is one that has touched so many lives, and will still touch so many more in the years to come. His fight for humanity has been admirable, and we will always remember and respect the selfless devotion Mandela gave to giving the world peace.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”