Citation
A living legend, foremost symbol of the African freedom struggle, one of the most identifiable faces in the world, and a Nobel Laureate, Madiba Dr. Nelson Mandela was a Prince of the Xhosa Royal Family in South Africa.
Trained as a lawyer, he was actively involved in the struggle against the institutionalised racism and brutal racial segregation laws of Apartheid South Africa. Partnering with fellow ANC member Oliver Tambo, they established the first black law firm in the history of South Africa—Mandela & Tambo—in August 1953 in Johannesburg. The firm courageously handled cases involving excessive use of force by the police and other forms of human rights abuses. Threatened by their growing popularity, the authorities withdrew the firm’s licence, compelling them to relocate to a rural area.
Leadership in the Anti-Apartheid Struggle
Nelson Mandela was one of the founders of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, which he subsequently headed. He led the Defiance Campaign in 1952, assembling over 10,000 people in a non-violent protest in Durban. His charisma and speeches drew thousands to the ANC’s cause, for which he and many other ANC members were arrested and sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. Later, Mandela and his defence team successfully challenged the Treason Trial of 1956.
The bloody Sharpeville Massacre of about 70 peaceful protesters led to the imposition of a State of Emergency, the banning of the ANC and Pan-Africanist Congress, and the arrest of Mandela and his ANC colleagues. Though acquitted on March 29, 1961, there followed the infamous Rivonia Trial, where the Pretoria Supreme Court sentenced him and ten other top ANC members to life imprisonment for “sabotaging the government and intending to overthrow the government.”
Mandela’s famous Speech from the Dock of April 20, 1964, resonates to this day:
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Expectedly, the trial and verdict drew international condemnation.
Years of Imprisonment and Unyielding Resolve
In all, this celebrated nationalist was imprisoned for some 27 years, mostly at the infamous Robben Island Prison. He remained unbowed and refused to renounce the struggle despite repeated offers of freedom.
Architect of Democratic South Africa
Released from prison following the dismantling of Apartheid, our Celebrant was unanimously elected President of the ANC. He is widely credited with helping to end white minority rule and secure universal suffrage in South Africa.
As the leading candidate in the historic 1994 elections, he exhibited unparalleled statesmanship and magnanimity by partnering with the last head of the Apartheid regime, F.W. de Klerk, as President and Vice-President respectively in a coalition government of the free Republic of South Africa.
As Head of State, he continued to demonstrate unflinching dedication to multiracial democracy, social justice, peace, and reconciliation. The highly acclaimed Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by the revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu, promoted tolerance and reconciliation in a country torn apart by decades of Apartheid and helped create a favourable environment for sustained economic growth.
Nation Building and Social Transformation
Similarly, he protected the white minority from vindictive attacks by the majority Black population, ensuring fair representation of all races in the new “Rainbow Nation.”
His initiatives to strengthen democracy in South Africa included:
- Land Reforms
- Universal Free Education
- Reconstruction and Development Programmes
- Free Healthcare for Children under Six Years and Pregnant Women
His liberal economic policies encouraged a steady flow of Foreign Direct Investment into South Africa, the benefits of which were channelled into welfare programmes, old-age pensions, and child maintenance grants for the poor.
Philanthropy and Global Humanitarian Service
He resolutely chose to serve only one term in office, during which he guided South Africa to a place of honour in the comity of nations.
During and after his presidency, his pursuit of noble causes across the world was extensive and inspiring. He donated about one-third of his annual presidential income to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation was established in partnership with Oxford University to create educational opportunities for economically challenged students across Africa, while the Nelson Mandela Foundation focused on rural and community health projects.
Honours and Lasting Legacy
Madiba Nelson Mandela received some of the highest recognitions of the 20th and 21st centuries, including the Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded with F.W. de Klerk.
He also served as:
- Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement
- Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
His autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, has inspired generations of leaders and citizens across the world.
Conclusion
Madiba Dr. Nelson Mandela passed on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we invite the Representative of the Republic of South Africa to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of an Icon in Global Leadership, Madiba Nelson Mandela.