Inspiring

People:

Lessons for us

NELSON MANDELA

Part 2: Inspiring People

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Inspirational Lessons

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve

success if they are dedicated to and passionate about

what they do.” In one simple sentence Nelson Mandela

sums up the greatest life lesson he has taught –

persistence is key. Standing up for what you believe in,

and staying focused on it, is key to your success.

Nelson Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape in South

Africa, into the Thembu Royal family. His father, Gadla

Henry Mphakanyiswa, was a local chief and councillor.

Nelson’s birth name is

Rolohlahla but he was

nicknamed Nelson by a

teacher when he was

young.

When Mandela was a

student at the Fort

Hare University in the

Eastern Cape, he led a strike with Oliver Tambo, which

led to his expulsion from the university. He then moved

to Johannesburg and continued his studying via

correspondence. He was determined to complete his

degree in Law, and wouldn’t give up on his cause: for all

races to live together in peace.

Even though Mandela was in prison he remained the

leader of the ANC. He did this with great success;

becoming the symbol for equal rights. Even the

opposition grudgingly acknowledged Mandela’s

persistence and leadership abilities. When F.W de

Klerk became the president of South Africa, he often

met with Mandela to discuss politics, seeking

Mandela’s advice on leadership for the future.

Nelson Mandela’s leadership skills and persistence

have not only impacted South Africans. Statues of

Mandela have been erected all over the world,

including in India and England. He will forever be

remembered for his positive attitude towards all

South Africans, forgiving nature, and lack of

bitterness whilst leading South Africa towards

democracy. He has been an inspiration to freedom

fighters the world over, and arguably the most

powerful voice for social justice ever in recent history.

As a leader of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela

followed Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent tactics, wanting to maintain

peaceful protests. In 1963 he was arrested for terrorism and treason

and sentenced to life in prison.

Whilst in prison, Mandela continued his fight for equal rights for all

South Africans; not just non-whites. He refused to compromise his

political beliefs for freedom and persisted at fighting for the end of

Apartheid

In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded

the Nobel Peace Prize, along with

former president F.W de Klerk for

their efforts to end Apartheid. This

was a truly just award considering his

resistance to conformity and the

length of his prison term as a result.

Although Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison,

his persistence paid off and he was released after twenty-

seven years. At the age of 75 (four years later) he won the

first ever free and fair election in South Africa – finally

obtaining what he had spent most of his life fighting for –

equal rights for all races and a democratic state.

In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with

former president F.W de Klerk for their efforts to end Apartheid. This was a

truly just award considering his resistance to conformity and the length of his

prison term as a result.

Words of Wisdom

· “It always seems impossible until it’s done."

· “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

· “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

· “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

· “The greatest glory in living lies not, in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

· “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

· "I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself."

References:

http://www.ducksters.com/biography/nelson_mandela.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

http://www.daveramsey.com/article/15-leadership-lessons-from-nelson-mandela/lifeandmoney_business

http://upstart.bizjournals.com/news/wire/2013/07/18/startup-lessons-from-nelson-

mandela.html?page=all