“We must use time wisely and
forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
Those were the words of Nelson Mandela, (1918-2013),
who became the first black South African to become President of South
Africa. His journey to the Presidency
and his life long struggle for equality for all South African is truly noteworthy
and is a standard to live by. His work
included dismantling the legacy of apartheid, tacking institutionalized racism,
poverty and fostering a national racial reconciliation.
Mandela, who attended the Fort Hare University
and the University of Witwatersrand, studied law. He rose to prominence in the African National
Congress (ANC) and participated in various campaigns to stand again the
oppressive apartheid government. In
1962, he was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state government
and was sentenced to life imprisonment. After serving 27 years in various prisons,
including Robben Island, Pollsmoor and
Victor Verster, he was release in 1990.
His release came in part to the growing international campaign that lobbied
for his release as well as the effects of international sanctions. Under his remarkable leadership, he was able to usher in a new age for South Africa and the world. During his one term as President he promulgated a new national constitution, created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses, land reform, combat poverty, unemployment and expand healthcare services. As a result of his leadership he was able to lift the international sanctions and restore the county status as part of the League of Nations.
Even through much of his live, Mandela was considered a controversial figure, he gained international acclaim for his activism and philanthropy. In all he received over 250 honors as well as the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin and the Bharat Ratna from India. His impact continues to shape and reshape the focus of how people of various backgrounds can live together in peace and with respect. This also means to find ways to move forward and a willingness to work together for the common good of all people. His legacy has affected us all in more than one way or another, perhaps this week and during this holiday season, all of us will take time out to reflect upon a life lived in harmony with real human values.
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