By Musa M. Buba
Every July 18, is being observed internationally as Nelson Mandela Day by the United Nations. Th is is aimed at recognising his values and dedication to the service of humanity in the fi elds of confl ict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the right of children and other vulnerable groups as well as fi ght against poverty and social justice. Born in 1918 in South Africa and a member of that country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, he was a leader of the peaceful protests and armed resistance against the white minority regime in a racially divided South Africa. His action landed him into prison for nearly three decades.
Released from prison in 1990, he participated in the eradication of apartheid and in 1994 he became the fi rst black president of South Africa forming a multiethnic government to oversee the country’s transition. Nelson Mandela, who grew up as a orphan, having lost his father died when he was nine years old, would not have gained fame without the care and education he received from his relations. He spent the fi rst 18 of his 27 years in jail at the brutal Robben Island prison, where he was island prisoner, a former Leper colony off the coast of Cape Town, where he was confi ned to a small cell without a bed or plumbing and compelled to do hard labour in a lime quarry.
As a black political prisoner, he received scantier rations and fewer privileges than other inmates, and allowed to see his wife, Winnie, once in every six months. Th ese restrictions and conditions notwithstanding, while in conferment Mandela earned a bachelor of law degree from University of London and served as mentor to his fellow prisoners, encouraging them to seek better treatment through resistance. When he became president, he established reconciliation commission to investigate human rights and political violations committed by both supporters and opponents of apartheid between 1960-1994.
And so because of all this history of Nelson Mandela considering what he brought to humanity calls on the African leaders to learn from the past of Nelson Mandela who was a great leader. Died at the age of 95, there are lessons among many that he would be remembered for: Determination to fi ght for the right thing. Mandela fought against apartheid which was a struggle for more than 50 years from 1943 when he joined ANC to 1994; with all the challenges he faced he was able to keep fi ghting for the right thing to be done. He never sells out belief: Nelson Mandela while serving in prison had repeated off ers from the apartheid regime to accept release for independence in small portion, but he never sells his belief.
Ready to change tactics: In 1960, Mandela together with other leaders set up the military wing of ANC. After his release from prison in 1990, he eventually renounced all armed tactics and resorted to peaceful negotiations. He knew facts: Mandela was an astute lawyer and using his incarceration, his jailers in the 1980s, repeatedly attempted to get him to renounce militarism. However, he remained adamant in his belief that prisoners cannot enter into contracts – only free man can negotiate. Admit our mistakes: In interviews later in life, Mandela admitted that the ANC committed some human rights abuses and even criticized anyone who attempted to deny it.
Th is means that he was ready to face the challenges. Reconcile with enemies: Nelson Mandela worked on the setting up the truth and reconciliation commission. Knowingly those behind his imprisonment, he was able to embrace all without intimidation during his reign as president of South Africa. Sharing with others: Mandela has shared his life in books and truth post retirement charity organizations that work on ills aff ecting the world today. Letting go: Nelson Mandela became President in 1994 and in 1999 chose not to run for a second term, yet he could have won by a landslide. He instead handed over to Th abo Mbeki. If African leaders can apply these lessons, Africa would become a better place, and politics would not be regarded as a dirty game. Killing of an opposition or enemy is very common in Africa. Indeed, Mandela is a role model to all African politicians and leaders. Buba wrote Damaturu
