Let's talk about Nelson Mandela

I am a member of "The Let's Talk About Series" community. I'll be sharing notes from one of the sessions we had this year. The session was on Nelson Mandela.

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(Diligent Amaka speaking) Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, Politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

What interest me most about Nelson Mandela is the fact that he was so resilient and so keen on a favourable change to help his people. He was going to give his life just to make sure his people's welfare are well protected.

He was also an exceptional leader who led the South Africans with empathy and selflessness which is very rare amongst our leaders today.

(Tobi Afolabi speaking –>)

• Never Give Up!
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years — 27 years! — in prison for fighting against the apartheid government in South Africa. Upon his release, he went on to become the country's President through its first democratic election. And, after his term, he spent his life tirelessly campaigning for peace and equality.

• Our failures speaks volumes about our character.
When all is said and done — when the milestones of your life stretch out before your eyes — it won't be the Successes that define your character. It will, as Mandela said, be the way you responded to failures and never quit. There is so much to be said for the tenacity of the human spirit.

• If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
The things that are truly worth having in life are usually the hardest to come by. It's the people who persevere and push through the difficulties who ultimately accomplish what they set out to achieve.

• You can do it.
People are capable of so much more than they give themselves credit for. So, whether it is while struggling through an intense workout or mourning the loss of a global icon, Mandela's simple sentiment is a refreshing, much needed reminder. You can do it. Anyone can, as he reminds us: "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve Success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

• Love always wins.
Mandela could have chosen to become bitter after being imprisoned for nearly three decades. Instead, he rose above the din of anger to speak out about the virtues and healing power of love. If simply hearing those words doesn't make your heart grow a little bit bigger, we don't know what will.

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Nelson Mandela