Veterans For Peace joins the international community in celebrating and remembering the life of Nelson Rolihlahla "Madiba" Mandela.
Living in a world where injustice and oppression were legal tools of a White minority government to control a Black majority in their indigenous homeland, he came to symbolize the essence of the struggle to end Apartheid. His example of success in standing up to an immovable force to lead his nation to end the brutal practice of racism and segregation and then setting it on a course of democracy, peace and reconciliation has made him a moral voice for peace and justice in his country and around the globe.
Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary freedom fighter as well as a politician and philanthropist. He began his struggle for justice working in the system by joining the African National Congress in the early 1940’s. But frustration with the lack of change and reaction to the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre of 69 protestors by police turned Mandela to armed resistance in 1961. He and many resistance leaders were jailed for life by the South African government in 1963. Mandela’s and his comrades’ perseverance and an unprecedented international campaign for his freedom resulted in his 1990 release. He emerged from prison a changed man, saying of his departure, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
But leaving the hate behind did not mean leaving the struggle for justice. He immediately threw himself into continuing the effort to end Apartheid. He garnered international support for sanctions to pressure South Africa and opened negotiations with then South African President F.W. de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994.
Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation. He served as the President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela was the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.
Nelson Mandela was the quintessential leader who against enormous odds and in the face of state sponsored brutality changed the look and character of his nation. His ascent from 27 years in a prison cell to presidential office was an international blow to White supremacy and a testament to the power of the people when struggling for justice.
Nelson Mandela was not a pacifist, as he once used violent resistance as a means to achieve justice. But he also understood that violence was not the answer and that the time had come for him to work for peace and to make common effort with enemies who hated him and his people. He is quoted as saying, “Hating clouds the mind. It gets in the way of strategy. Leaders cannot afford to hate.”
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
At a time when the world is in deep turmoil his voice and wisdom will be greatly missed. But we do have his life as an example of steely determination, pragmatism and integrity to follow. There is much world leaders can learn from Madiba to lead our planet to a better and peaceful state. As we work to abolish war, address climate change and to meet human needs, let us keep the legacy of Mandela alive by learning from his words and experiences and as best we can walking in his footsteps.
Nelson Mandela Presente!