March 2, 1931
Overview:
Nelson Mandela is the most recognizable and beloved hero of South Africa. Spending twenty-seven years in prison he drew the attention of billions upon his release. All were captivated by his perseverance and indomitable spirit as he sacrificed three decades of his life for his political beliefs.
Country:
South Africa
Type
of hero: Civil and Political Rights
Attributes:
Civil Rights Leader
Biography:
Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years of his life in prison because of his political beliefs. Offered to be released several times he adamantly refused, drawing from his intense commitment to his cause- the freedom for all black people in South Africa and an end to racial segregation or apartheid. Apartheid literally means “apart-hood.” It is the official government policy of racial discrimination and segregation in South Africa. With Mandela’s help South Africa is now moving towards the end of apartheid, but much of it’s terror still remains.
Mandela had become a household name even before his release. People were captivated how a man could sacrifice so much for his people. Mandela literally gave up his personal and family life for the lives of his people. His dream was to see a world of a “democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” Upon his release February 11, 1990 nearly one billion television viewers, many who had never seen Mandela’s face, watched as he became a free man once again. Never before had one man gained so much fame for simply standing up for what he knew was right. His story became legendary as he was the first to be democratically elected State president of South Africa on May 10, 1994.
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Qunu. His father, Henry Mgadla Mandela, died when Mandela was only ten. Chief Jongintaba, his father’s relative, looked after Nelson as his own son. Jongintaba was therefore responsible for Nelson’s education. This was the natural thing to do, since all members of the clan were descendants of the same ancestor and were treated like family.
He attended a small school at Mqekezweni, where he not only studied but learned the stories of many elders, forming and shaping Nelson’s attitude and character. Learning their history drew Nelson to be committed to helping them.
South Africa’s educational system, like nearly every other facet of life, discriminated against nonwhite people. There were separate schools for black and white people, as well as for other ethnicities. More funds were allocated to white children (nearly ten times more), and not many black children made it to high school. Nelson was one of the elite few who did. He finished high school in 1938 and did so well that Chief Jongintaba decided he should go to university at the South African Native College at Fort Hare. He was expelled for his role in a strike as a SRC member. Soon in 1944 he help found the African National Congress Youth league adopted by the African National Congress (ANC). Nelson was heavily involved in the ANC and toured the country promoting, educating and organizing resistances and strikes. His tactics were always non-violent until later years when the ANC turned to sabotage. Their non-violent tactics were only met with violence. Mandela also opened a lawyers office for several years where he came in direct contact with more people and many more agonizing stories.
In 1962 Mandela left the country for military training and training for the new military wing of the ANC the Umkhonto we Sizwe (this was the campaign of sabotage against the government and property). Upon returning to the country he was arrested for leaving illegally and incitement to strike. Conducting his own defense he was convicted and jailed for five years in November 1962. While in prison he was charged with sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. For the next twenty seven years he still spoke out against the injustice done to not only black people but people of all races. He was a symbol of courage, faith and leadership. Mandela’s story grew to mythic proportions and he now is South Africa’s loved hero. However, he still is just a man, made of flesh and blood. Only, he chose to make a difference with his life, and that he did.
Citations
& References:
Links:
http://www.anc.org.za/people/mandela.html
References:
Pogrund, Benjamin. People Who Have Helped the World: Nelson Mandela. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1991
"Time 100 The Most Important People of the 20th Century." Time.com http://www.time.com/time/time100/ (June 2000)
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