Nelson Mandela Walks the Path to Freedom in South Africa

Jul 3, 2011
Maggie Harries

Nelson Mandela Freed on February 11, 1990! -Special 8 Page Tribute Edition - London Herald News/Donald James Woods - Author

Nelson Mandela has struggled, accompanied by sacrifices of countless others, to courageously take South Africa to freedom and is still smiling.

Accolades for the Man

One of the world’s most amazing true stories is of a man nicknamed Madiba, named for a 19th century chief of the Thembu clan. You may recognize him by the name of Nelson Mandela, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, US Congressional Medal of Honor, more than 695 awards, honorary degrees and honorary citizenships,approximately 1,115 in number, if anyone is counting. That is in addition to more than 85 streets, buildings, and avenues, named for this famous African, widely known and respected as a leader of Liberation movements which freed 40 million people throughout South Africa.

Early Life of this Hero

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born July 18, 1918 at Umtata, Transkei, will turn 93 this July, just a few days away. His middle name, Rolihlahla, means ‘pulling the branch of a tree’. During his primary education, he was given the name Nelson. This youthful Mandela hated to be beaten by any opponent. If he came off worse, he would fight the following day with whoever had beaten him. This time he made certain that he was the winner.

Upon the death of his father, he became the ward of the Paramount Chief to be groomed to assume high office. Hearing stories of his ancestor’s valor, he dreamed of making his own contributions toward freedom for his people. He was sent to Clarkebury Boarding Institute for his Junior Certificates, and then to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school of some repute. He then enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare for his Bachelor of Arts degree and was then elected into the Students’ Representative Council. He was suspended from college for joining a protest boycott. In 1942, he began study for his LLB and joined the African National Congress in 1943. At the height of WWII, members of the ANC banded together under the leadership of Anton Lembede. For a detailed description of this remarkable man’s life, please visit this website which includes the visit from Senator Edward Kennedy in 1985 in support of Nelson’s Mandela’s and others’ efforts in the cause against apartheid.

Influence of Mahatma Ghandi

Nelson Mandela coordinated a sabotage campaign against military government targets planning for a guerrilla war if sabotage failed to end apartheid. This is known as official racial segregation which was the government policy in South Africa against black South Africans. After his return to South Africa, he was arrested for illegal exit. Nothing was working out according to plan. During this time thousands of black South Africans died in the struggle to end apartheid.

Deciding to conduct his own defense got him convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Throughout his imprisonment, offers of freedom were given to him on the condition that he would renounce violence. He countered with the truth that prisoners cannot enter into contracts...only FREE men can negotiate. That left him with 27 years on Robben Island during which time he endured extremely harsh conditions in prison with dignity and fortitude. He led a movement for better prison conditions, and was successful in his endeavor.

The Long Walk from Prisoner 46664 to Worldwide Symbol of Resistance

He is best known as the first Black President of South Africa. He has paid dearly for the fame, honor, and respect he has received. He will soon enjoy his 93rd year. The world wishes him many more fulfilling years. His endurance through years of imprisonment within the borders of the most naturally gorgeous continent on earth contributed to the birth of a nation and the creation of an icon.

Mandela was elected President of the ANC. In 1994 he became the 1st democratically elected state president with National Party’s de Klerk as his 1st Deputy and Thabo Mbeki as the 2nd in the government of National Unity. He never answered racism with racism. He led a life symbolizing triumph of the human spirit over man’s inhumanity. In 1993 he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. He has been married 3 times, has six children, including 4 daughters, only 3 of which are still living, and 3 sons, 17 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 4 step-children.

When the ban was lifted on the ANC, Mandela was released in 1990. He then used his stature to dismantle apartheid and form a new multi-racial democracy with De Klerk and subsequently, the two of them shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela served as the country’s president from 1994 until 1999, when he was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mboki. His autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom was published in 1994.

The Nelson Mandela Museum

Ten years to the day after his release on February 11, 1990, the Nelson Mandela Museum opened its doors. He insisted it was not to be a static collection and tribute, but instead a living memorial to his values and vision intended to inspire and enrich all who visit, and hopes that it serves as a catalyst for development to share the heritage and resources linked to him.

His actions were and are driven by his unshakable belief in the equality of all people, accompanied by his strong and successfully implemented determination to overthrow the racist system of apartheid.

His own words state it best: “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people fighting against both white and black domination. I cherish the ideal of a democratic society in which persons live together in harmony with equal opportunity.”

Richard Attenborough's film, Cry Freedom , tells the story of Donald Woods and Steve Biko, both South African heroes, like Nelson Mandela. Woods met Mandela in London in 1990, writing the story of his freedom in an 8-Page Tribute, Special Edition in the London Herald News.