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Nelson Mandela, the man who devoted his life to the struggle for a free and democratic society in South Africa, left us ten years ago, on December 5, 2013. His relentless fight against the racist apartheid regime earned him a life sentence in 1964. Yet, far from becoming bitter, Mandela remained a symbol of reconciliation and peace, earning worldwide admiration.
Former South African president Frederik De Klerk, who helped secure Mandela’s release, describes him as an exceptional man, free of bitterness despite 27 years of imprisonment. Mandela focused on the need for reconciliation and forgiveness, a spirit that guided South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy. De Klerk and Mandela were co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for ending apartheid.
Born in 1918, Mandela came from the Xhosa people. For years under apartheid, displaying his image was forbidden. His release on February 11, 1990, was a landmark event, signaling the beginning of the end of apartheid. Images of his release, where he appears arm in arm with his wife Winnie, fist raised, remain etched in memory.
The song Asimbonanga by Johnny Clegg, which became a political anthem in 1988, embodied the spirit of resistance at a time when South Africa was isolated by international sanctions. Mandela was 72 at his release. He continued his fight, modestly declaring, “Late in life, I blossom like a flower.”
Today, a decade after his passing, Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire entire generations, making him a true treasure of humanity and an unforgettable man of peace.