The world has lost an incredible humanitarian and leader. (Photo property of NBC News)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
One of the most inspirational world leaders has passed away.
Last night, multiple news outlets ranging from NBC and the BBC to ESPN and Entertainment Weekly reported that former (and first black) South African President and humanitarian Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95.
For a majority of his life, President Mandela fought against those who would oppress innocent lives.
His enemies imprisoned him for three decades due his fight against white minority rule in South Africa. Despite living in 18 of his 27 years housed in an 8-foot by 7-foot concrete cell with only a straw mat to sleep on, Mandela kept a positive attitude and continued to spread his messages of hope and peace.
When he was finally released from prison in February 1990, Nelson Mandela traveled across the country and had audiences with numerous countless of South Africans. He also traveled the world and met with celebrated leaders including Pope John Paul II in Vatican City, Margaret Thatcher in London and then-President George H.W. Bush in Washington.
President Mandela’s quest of unifying South Africa by destroying the legalized racial segregation took flight in 1994 when he threw his hat into South Africa’s presidential race.
Mandela and his party, the African National Congress, won the election with over 12 million votes and won 252 seats in the National Assembly. His victory made him the oldest head of state in South African history.
During his tenure in office, he successfully was able to transition South African’s minority role and apartheid and brought the entire national together through supporting the South African national rugby team: Springboks.
After he left office, Nelson Mandela became a beloved elder statesman on the world stage and championed numerous human rights movements including the fight against AIDS and world peace.
Before he turned 86-years-old in 2004, President Mandela announced his retirement from public life to focus on his loved ones.
“Don’t call me, I’ll call you.” Mandela said in an interview with CNN.
President Mandela was preceded in death by his three children: Madiba, Makgatho and Maki and is survived by his widow, Graca Machel, his daughters: Zeni, Zindi and Maki, 17 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren.
God bless you, President Mandela. May you rest in peace!
