Enjoy the best Nelson Mandela Quotes. Quotations by Nelson Mandela (Anti-apartheid Activist, Politician) Jul 18, 1918 - Dec 05, 2013
It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.
We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.
When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.
Do not let the past dictate who you are, but let it be part of who you will become.
I am not an optimist, but a great believer of hope.
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
No single person can liberate a country. You can only liberate a country if you act as a collective.
We must strive to be moved by a generosity of spirit that will enable us to outgrow the hatred and conflicts of the past.
The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children.
In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a village in the Eastern Cape Province, Mandela grew up in a region characterized by racial segregation and inequality.
Mandela became actively involved in the struggle against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, early in his life. He joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political party dedicated to fighting for the rights of the majority Black population in South Africa.
His unwavering commitment to the cause led Mandela to become one of the most prominent anti-apartheid activists. He advocated for nonviolent resistance but eventually concluded that more drastic measures were necessary. In 1961, Mandela co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, to engage in sabotage activities against the apartheid regime.
As a result of his activism, Mandela faced multiple arrests and imprisonments throughout his life. In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in MK's activities. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most of which he served on Robben Island, a notorious prison off the coast of Cape Town.
Despite the harsh conditions, Mandela's resolve remained unbroken, and his imprisonment only heightened his global prominence as a symbol of resistance against apartheid. He became a rallying point for activists both within South Africa and around the world, garnering international attention and support for the anti-apartheid movement.
Mandela was finally released from prison on February 11, 1990, following growing pressure on the South African government to end apartheid. He emerged as a statesman and played a crucial role in negotiating an end to apartheid and establishing a democratic South Africa.
In 1994, Mandela became the country's first Black President in the first democratic elections held in South Africa. He worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of apartheid and promote reconciliation among the diverse racial and ethnic groups in the country.
Mandela's presidency focused on fostering social equality, combating poverty, and promoting national unity. He implemented various policies to address the legacies of apartheid, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aimed to uncover past human rights abuses and promote forgiveness.
After serving as President for one term, Mandela stepped down in 1999 but continued to be a respected and beloved figure globally. He dedicated his post-presidential life to humanitarian work, championing causes such as education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and peace-building efforts.
Nelson Mandela's leadership, resilience, and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on the world. His unwavering fight against apartheid and his message of forgiveness and reconciliation continue to inspire generations. Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, but his legacy as an icon of peace and equality lives on.