Nelson Mandela
A huge number of the world’s population view Nelson Mandela as one of the greatest leaders in history. Born in 1918 in a small village in Umtata, he had a dream of making immense contributions to help his country achieve peace both nationally and internationally. His contribution to human rights, promotion of gender roles among women and guiding his country in breaking through the ‘jaws’ of Apartheid and gaining total South African independence made him one of the most prominent leaders throughout history.
Mandela and The Fight For Human Rights
Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist who fought for the rights and freedoms of the disadvantaged people who suffered under the system of racial segregation. Upon joining the civil rights movement, he was quite influential in leading many against the Apartheid government. His passion and determination to achieve this objective caught the eye of the international community who joined in the fight to liberate South Africa from the white-supremacists. Mandela’s ability to create a worldwide movement and to capture the hearts and minds of many people further shows his brilliance as not only a South African leader but also a global human rights activist.
Nelson Mandela also worked to put an end to the global oppression and segregation of women. Once he became President, he introduced various policies to champion the rights of women and was vocal in encouraging the public to recognize and promote the work done by women. In 1994, Mandela created a Women’s Day, which was to be celebrated on Aug 9. He recognized the significant role played by women in the fight against Apartheid. For instance, in a speech during the World Women’s day held in 1996, he said, “As long as women are bound by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, human rights will lack substance.”Mandela knew that even in the most significant civil rights movements held throughout history, the role played by women had been greatly overlooked or forgotten. A good example is the 1960s United States civil rights movement which was led by the women, especially at the local levels.
Mandela And The Promotion of Gender Roles
Although the United Nations Convention of 1979 prescribed the need to end all forms of discrimination, it was not until Mandela was President that this treaty was enforced in 1995. Among other exciting things, this monumental document recognizes the reproductive roles of women and forces on cultural change to transform their roles both politically and in family settings. It, further states that women can acquire, retain or change their nationality and that of their children. The document also requires state parties to take the much-needed measures in discrediting any form of exploitation or trafficking of women.
Nelson Mandela understood that to achieve gender equality, the country had to start implementing, fighting and protecting laws which gave such opportunities to women. Hence, as President, he expanded and improved women’s access to all social services by creating a postnatal and prenatal care for mothers in the country’s systems of public health. Mandela also created a free healthcare policy for children below six years. Mandela’s greatest contribution to promoting gender roles among women came in 1996 when he enshrined women rights in the South African constitution. Among other things, these laws stated that anyone found to have violated the rights and freedoms of women was to face criminal prosecution.
The Power of ‘Ubuntu’
The word ‘Ubuntu’ comes from the Xhosa or Zulu culture from which Nelson Mandela came from. It means “a person is a person through other persons,” others also interpret it as “I am because we are.” In his explanation, Mandela described it as the need for people to use the best versions of themselves first. It’s more of a spiritual ideal that’s represented in wide-sections in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nelson Mandela used this concept to lead South Africans to a peaceful transition from Apartheid. It was not about teaching those who had oppressed the black South Africans a lesion, but instead, he encouraged people to show compassion and integrity. Archbishop Desmond Tutu who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission back in 1996 further emphasized the importance of Ubuntu in the society.
Museum Pieces Representing The Qualities Of Nelson Mandela
- The 800-Year-Old Golden Rhinoceros
Small enough to fit within the palm of your hand, this 800 years old piece represents South Africa’s most powerful animals (the Rhinoceros) and the country’s enduring source of power (Gold). After being lost to the United Kingdom, it was recovered along the Zimbabwe border back in 1934. Like Nelson Mandela; it signifies the struggle and determination of the South African people to achieve full political independence and freedom from the white supremacists.
In 2002, the African National Congress (ANC) created the order of Mapungubwe, the highest honour currently in South Africa. The golden Rhinoceros was to be its representative symbol, and the first recipient of the Award was Nelson Mandela.
- Glass Beads Art in South Africa
In African societies, the lack of local glass-making technologies meant that communities like the Zulu people made brilliant art pieces. They believed that beads came from the ancestors and the elite carefully managed the management of these art pieces in society. Over time, they developed as a crucial expression of South African political authority.
The beads were used to enhance and decorate the human body. They created a symbol of wealth, power and social justice. They signified the pure nature of the South African people, which is a crucial principle of Nelson Mandela’s ‘Ubuntu’ policy.
- The Salt of The Earth Portrait of Nelson Mandela
Created by Martin Osner using Salt Crystals on a charcoal image transfer, the portrait represents the life and struggle of Nelson Mandela. A two-paragraph speech he gave during the Rivonia trial is carefully inscribed below the piece. The entire picture shows how Mandela dedicated his life to helping South Africa enjoy the freedoms of Democracy. However, deep down, it explains how he was simple yet very unique in the manner in which he cared for his people and overlooked his personal challenges. He will always be the salt of the earth, and his endearing legacy will live on forever.