Nelson Mandela poses after receiving the Amnesty International “Ambassador of Conscience” Award in Johannesburg on November 1, 2006 (Photo Credit: Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images).
To the world, he is known as Nelson, an English name given to him by a teacher on his first day of school. To many South Africans, he is known by his Xhosa clan name: Madiba. And there is another name Nelson Mandela is known by, one that reflects the place he holds in the hearts of South Africans: “tata” or “father.”
Today, the former South African President and Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, father of South African democracy and role model for human rights defenders everywhere, turns 95. It would be a notable milestone for anyone, but all the more incredible for Madiba because of the human rights issues he has helped advance during his lifetime.
Nelson Mandela’s activism dates back to his involvement in anti-colonial efforts in South Africa. He joined the African National Congress and helped found its Youth League. He helped stage the 1952 Defiance Campaign and organized the Congress of the People in 1955. As a practicing lawyer, he was repeatedly arrested for seditious activities as he sought to use the law to challenge apartheid policies, resulting in the Treason Trial in 1956 where he, along with other anti-apartheid leaders, were acquitted, and in the infamous Rivonia Trial in 1962 where Mandela along with Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi, Ahmed Kathrada and others were sentenced to life imprisonment.
For the next 27 years, Mandela remained behind bars – first on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor and Victor Verster Prisons – breaking rocks and doing other forms of hard labor. On February 11, 1990, in the face of increasing violence in South Africa, growing pressure and isolation from the international community organized by a global anti-apartheid movement, President F. W. de Klerk released Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders and unbanned all political parties.
Mandela worked with de Klerk to abolish apartheid and hold multiracial elections in 1994, which the African National Congress won. The elections also led to a Government of National Unity, which included de Klerk and was led by Mandela. The new government promulgated a new constitution, created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses, and implemented policies to encourage land reform, combat poverty and expand healthcare services.
His life of political struggle and self-sacrifice became, and remains, an example to millions around the globe. His name is now synonymous with the struggle of people everywhere for freedom, equality and justice and will remain an inspiration and a reminder that we must remain ever vigilant and determined to confront injustice.
How long did Nelson Mandela led the the government?
He became president on 10 May 1994 and served one term until 14 June 1999, succeed by Thabo Mbeki.
RIP "tata". You are the reason why I joined Amnesty. Your time on earth was truly a blessing.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Communist terrorist responsible for over hundreds of bombings killing women and children – even AI has no qualms stooping to the most childish propaganda. They really do think we are so stupid.
Sounds like the writer needs a lesson in history to get his facts right….
Two of the ANC’s biggest donors, in the 1990s, were Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and President Suharto of Indonesia. Not only did Mandela refrain from criticising their lamentable human rights records but he interceded diplomatically on their behalf.
Mandela was the head of the military wing of the African National Committee (ANC) which authorised attcaks on the following
-Amanzimtoti Shopping complex KZN, 23 December 1985
-Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court, 17 March 1988
-Durban Pick ‘n Pay shopping complex, 1 September 1986
-Pretoria Sterland movie complex 16 April 1988 – limpet mine killed ANC terrorist M O Maponya instead
-Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, 20 May 1987
-Roodepoort Standard Bank 3 June, 1988
Killing hundereds of innocent people
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I don't have a special knowledge of the history of South Africa. But I have read Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom. I come away very impressed how Mr. Mandela stayed focused on the goal of a democratic and free South Africa for people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. In the book he expressed a real reluctance to start an armed struggle against apartheid. But he and other ANC leaders felt that they had no choice. The nonviolent tactics that were attempted were met with severe government oppression and violence. Also, the incidents in John's posting happened when Mr. Mandela was in prison. He was not in charge of those acts.
At the Rivonia trial for treason, Mr. Mandela and his co-defendants could have been sentenced to death. They were prepared to face this if necessary. This shows incredible courage in pursuit of the goal of a democratic South Africa.
I am impressed with how Mr. Mandela was able to avoid getting mired in hatred toward the people who ran the apartheid system and instead put all his focus and energies into the ultimate goal. He was able to work with everyone who could share the vision and goal of a democracy for every citizen. I see him as a person of great courage, vision, and tenacity.