life of nelson mandela essay

Nelson Mandela Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on nelson mandela.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the Transkei village close Umtata. Nelson Mandela was sent to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school with some reputation where he enrolled after getting a primary education at a local mission school. He then registered for the Bachelor of Arts degree at Fort Hare University College where he was appointed to the Representative Council of the Student. Also, he was suspended for joining a protest boycott from college. He went to Johannesburg where, by correspondence, he finished his BA, took clerkship papers and began studying for his LLB . The Nelson Mandela essay is an insight into the life and works of the great man.

The greatest pleasure of Nelson Mandela, his most private moment, is to watch the sunset playing with the music of Händel or Tchaikovsky.

During daylight hours locked up in his cell, deprived of music, he was denied these two simple pleasures for centuries. Concerts were organized with his fellow inmates as far as possible, especially at Christmas time, where they would sing.

Nelson Mandela finds music very uplifting and is interested in European classical music as well as African choral music and the many talents in South African music. But above all, one voice stands out – Paul Robeson’s, whom he defines as our hero.

The years in prison strengthened already engraved practices: athlete’s disciplined eating system started in the 1940s, as did the early morning practice. Nelson Mandela is still up by 4.30am today, regardless of how late he worked last night.

He started his exercise routine by 5 am, which lasts for at least an hour. Breakfast is at 6.30 when newspapers are read during the days. With a normal working day of at nearly 12 hours, time management is critical and Nelson Mandela is highly impatient with impunctuality, considering it to be insulting to those with whom you deal.

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Life of Nelson Mandela

He has conducted comprehensive traveling since his release from prison when he spoke. Nelson Mandela claims: “The biography of Pandit Nehru helped me prepare for my discharge. Who wrote about what’s going on when you leave prison.

My daughter Zinzi claims she grew up without a dad who became the nation’s dad when he came back. This has put on my shoulders a huge burden.

And wherever I travel, I instantly start missing the familiar–the mine dumps, the uniquely South African color and smell, and especially the individuals. I don’t like being away for a long moment. There’s no place like home for me.

Mandela accepted the Nobel Peace Prize as a tribute to all those who worked for peace and opposed racism. This individual has been awarded as much as it has been to the ANC and all the individuals of South Africa.

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• English Essay on Nelson Mandela

An Essay on Nelson Mandela is Available at Vedantu

The best analogy that can be given for Nelson Mandela to the Indian students is, Nelson Mandela was to Africa what Mahatma Gandhi was to India. Because Nelson Mandela did the same thing for Africa, As Mahatma Gandhi did for India. Nelson Mandela made the same sacrifices for Africa, as Mahatma Gandhi Made for India. Nelson Mandela believed in the same ideals and virtues as that of Mahatma Gandhi, which is to say Non-violence and truth, and for all his life he walked on the same path.

An Introduction

There was a time when facilities were divided among people on the basis of their skin colour. From the seat reservations in public transport to any other public facilities, everywhere, whites used to get better facilities whereas dark-skinned people, the blacks, got the worst services. White supremacy existed in every country under British colonialism. In some countries, racial discrimination was found on a larger scale whereas in others on a smaller scale. However, in South Africa, it became worse. 

Three-fourths of the total population were black people there. The country's economy used to run on the strength of their hard work, but all the good facilities were available to the whites. Although racial discrimination was there in South Africa for a long time, the National Party government made a rule in 1948 that blacks and whites would live in different places and the public facilities were divided according to their skin colours. Since good always triumphs over evil, the struggles of Nelson Mandela put an end to the rules of racial discrimination, after which everyone started getting equal facilities. It was not so easy. Nelson Mandela had to spend 28 years of his life in prison. Mandela was a man who followed Gandhi's path. He did this without taking up arms, without any bloodshed.

A Brief Background of Africa During the Time of Nelson Mandela.

Africa is not in any sense a stranger from the racial discrimination, exploitation, and horrors of British colonialism. Though many countries of Asia, such as India have faced all these problems, it, unfortunately, took a rather devastating form in Africa. The humans were divided by their skin colour, the fair one gets the reservations in all the public facilities and were considered high-class people, while the black was always looked down upon. Only because of their skin colour were they not the same as their fair counterparts. And these were the times in which Nelson Mandela was born.

A history of Nelson Mandela

It was the 18th of July 1918 when Rohlihala (Nelson) Mandela was born in the small village located on the banks of Mbashe River in South Africa, to mother Nosakeni and father Gadla henry. The name Rohilihala literally means ``Mischievous”, but his school teacher Miss Mdingane gave him the English name “Nelson'' because it was the custom during those times in Africa to give English names, and hence Rohilihala became “Nelson Mandela''. Nelson Mandela attended the Clark Barry Missionary school for his early schooling.

When Nelson Mandela was just 12 years old, an unfortunate thing happened in the form of the death of his father Gadla Henry. But Nelson Mandela’s family took so much care of him and never let the absence of the father affect the 12-year-old boy. Nelson Mandela was the only member of his family to attend the school, and hence his whole family supported him in all the aspects of his school.

He graduated from the Methodist Healdtown college, which was a college built especially for black people. This was the time when he had started his fight against injustice and inequality of racial discrimination. And here in this college, he met a man by the name of Olive Tambo, a relation with whom transformed into a lifelong friendship. Nelson Mandela always had full-fledged support of Oliver Tambo in his struggle against Apartheid, meaning apartness.

Apartheid was the policy in South Africa that governed the relations between the Whites, who were the minority, and the Black, who were the majority, in the latter half of the last century, that is to say, the 20th century. In the name of governance, all the Apartheid did was racial segregation and economic discrimination against the blacks. Nelson Mandela fought bravely against the Apartheid during his lifetime.

Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo, South Africa. His mother's name was Nosakeni and his father's name was Gadla Henry. Earlier, Nelson Mandela was named Rohlihala by his parents, which means mischievous, but his school teacher changed his name to Nelson. Nelson Mandela did his early studies at Clark Barry Missionary School. Nelson Mandela was just 12 years old when his father died, but his family never let the absence of his father affect his life. His family continued to help him in every way for higher studies since Nelson was the only member of the whole family who went to school. 

He graduated from Healdtown College. Healdtown was a college specially built for black people. In this college, Nelson Mandela met a friend and remained friends with him throughout his life and always supported him in his struggle against Apartheid. Right from the days of college, he started the fight against racial discrimination and started gathering people, due to which he was expelled from college. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress, in which he had started the movement against racial discrimination. In 1947, he was elected as a  secretary of that party. Later many people joined him and strived towards their goal but in 1961, a case of treason was filed against Mandela and he was imprisoned along with some of his friends. Though he was later found innocent and was released, yet, again on 5th August 1962, he was arrested on charges of inciting the workers to go on strike. On 12th July 1964, after trials for almost 2 years, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to the most strictly guarded jail for imprisonment but even after that, his courage never diminished. He also started sharing his opinions with the black prisoners in jail. On the other hand, his party also tried its best to get him released but failed. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 28 years. Finally, in 1989, the government changed in South Africa and the liberal leader F. W. Clarke became the President of the country. Considering the struggle of Nelson and his party, he ordered the removal of all restrictions on black people and decided to release all the prisoners who were imprisoned without any serious charges.

A Quick Outline of Nelson Mandela’s Life from 1940 onwards.

1944 = joined the national congress of Africa.

1947 = elected as a secretary of the African national congress.

1961 = A case of treason was filed against him, and he was imprisoned along with his friends.

1962 = he was found innocent and was released from prison. But was again on 5th August of the same year on other charges.

1964 = sentenced to life imprisonment, and remained imprisoned for 28 years.

1989 = a government was changed, and Nelson Mandela was released, the following year.

1990 = Mandela was awarded a Bharat Ratna.

1993 = He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1994 = Became the first president of the country

5 Dec 2013 = Passed away at the age of 95.

Nelson Mandela’s Struggles of Life

On February 1, 1990, Mandela was released from prison. In the Presidential election of South Africa that was held in 1994, black people could also participate. Mandela participated in this election and his party African National Congress formed the government with a majority. On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first President of his country and made all rights equal for the whites and the blacks. Nelson Mandela, much like Mahatma Gandhi, followed a non-violent path, he considered Mahatma Gandhi as his inspiration. 

Nelson Mandela was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the most prestigious award of India, in 1990. He was the second foreigner to be given this award after Mother Teresa, who was awarded in 1980. In 1993, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Prize for world peace, for the struggle against Apartheid throughout his life, and to empower the blacks in South Africa. On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away, at the age of 95. He says that “When a person considers the service of his country and people as his duty, he gets peace in doing that work. I think I have tried that and that is why I can sleep peacefully till the end.”

 Conclusion

Nelson Mandela, much like Mahatma Gandhi, advocated a nonviolent path, he considered Gandhi as his source of inspiration. For this reason, he is also called African Gandhi. Nelson Mandela has also been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's biggest award in 1990.

FAQs on English Essay on Nelson Mandela

1. Who is Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela raised his voice against racial discrimination in South Africa. He spent 28 years of his life in prison as a part of his struggle to put an end to racial discrimination in South Africa. After this, blacks and whites were entitled to equal rights, and they enjoyed equal public facilities.

2. Name Nelson Mandela’s Publication?

Some of Nelson Mandela’s publications are as follows.

No Easy Walk to Freedom

The Struggle is my Life

In His Own Words

I am Prepared to Die

Long Walk To Freedom

3. What Did Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi Have in Common?

Nelson Mandela, much like Mahatma Gandhi, advocated a nonviolent path, he considered Gandhi as his source of inspiration. He struggled for years against white supremacy without any armed movements and bloodshed.

4. What are the lessons that can be learned from the life of Nelson Mandela?

There are quite many lessons to be learned from the life of Nelson Mandela:

Keep Working: Nelson Mandela never stopped working towards his aim he always kept on working.

Remain Focused: From the very early stage of his life he was very clear about his aim and he remained focused on it for the rest of his life.

Work for others: Nelson Mandela always worked for others and hence he is immortalized in the memory of our memory. He gave all his life for the selfless work of his country.

5. Why should I use the essay provided by Vedantu, instead of writing my own?

It is always a very good idea to write essays by yourself, but it is also a good idea to have some guidance in doing the same. And hence the essay that Vedantu provides on the life of Nelson Mandela can serve the purpose of a guide to the students. Furthermore, the essay that Vedantu provides is designed from the perspective of the students and that too by the expert teachers. Therefore, it gives a good idea regarding how to approach such an essay elaborately.

6. What are the lessons that can be learned from the life of Nelson Mandela?

7. Why should I use the essay provided by Vedantu, instead of writing my own?

Nelson Mandela's Early Life

Explore his transformative years.

By The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Childhood (2010/2010) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Mvezo rondavels v2 (2007-04-16) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

“...my experiences in the veld where we worked and played together in groups, introduced me at an early age to the ideas of collective effort.”

From his birth in 1918 until 1941, Nelson Mandela lived in the rural Eastern Cape. The son of a Thembu chief (traditional leader), his primary influences as a young person were the customs of the Thembu people and the education he received at Christian mission schools. Between 1939 and 1941 he studied at the University of Fort Hare, a tertiary institution for black South Africans (and black students from other African countries), where he was first exposed to the politics of African nationalism. In 1941 he left the Eastern Cape for the city of Johannesburg, where he was to be exposed more directly to the realities of state racism and where he was to find a political home in the African National Congress.

Personal papers: church membership cards (#4) (1931/1931) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Church membership cards These are the oldest items in the archive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

For most of his adult life, Mandela had been a diligent maker of records and an obsessive record-keeper. How else to explain his collection of Methodist Church membership cards recording his annual membership between 1929 and 1934. The small, yellowed cards are written in his home language of isiXhosa and display the date, that they are for members of the Sunday School – the forum for child congregants of the Methodist Church. On the cards are printed verses from the bible. His attendance of Sunday School as a child must have made an impression on Mr Mandela as when he attended university for the first time, at Fort Hare, he became a Sunday School teacher too. In a letter to his eldest daughter Maki Mandela, written on Robben Island on 27 March 1977 he said: “As you know, I was baptised in the Methodist Church and was educated in Wesleyan schools – Clarkebury, Healdtown and at Fort Hare. I stayed at Wesley House. At Fort Hare I even became a Sunday School teacher.”

Gilbert Nzimeni Collection Gilbert Nzimeni Collection (1938) by Nelson Mandela Foundation The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Healdtown photograph A photograph, which is regarded as the earliest known taken of Nelson Mandela, is housed in the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and features him in a class photograph of Healdtown, the Wesleyan College he attended in 1937 and 1938.

At the centre of the photograph sits Ms Myrtle Workman, head of the girls’ hostel, and Rev Arthur Wellington, then head of Healdtown. In all his recollections of Healdtown, Mr Mandela highlighted the character of Rev Wellington who would proclaim “I am a descendant of the Duke of Wellington”. Mr Mandela would often break out laughing when he regaled people with tales of his schooldays. To the right of Rev Wellington is Rev SM Mokitimi (head of the boys’ hostel, among other positions) and to his right is Ms Jane Methola, a pupil. Behind Rev Mokitimi is another pupil, Mr Gilbert Nzimeni. Of Rev SM Mokitimi Mr Mandela wrote: “Reverend Mokitimi impressed us for another reason: He stood up to Rev Wellington.” He said witnessing this made him realise that “a black man did not have to defer automatically to a white, however senior he was.” “... at an early age I drifted away from my parents and moved about, played and ate together with other boys. In fact I hardly remember any occasion when I was ever alone at home.”

To Duggie Lukhele To Duggie Lukhele (1970-08-01/1970-08-01) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Country childhood In this letter to Senator Douglas Lukhele in Swaziland , dated 1 August 1970, he reminded himself of his country childhood. When Nelson Mandela began serving his life sentence on Robben Island from 13 June 1964 he was only allowed to write and receive one letter of 500 words every six months. Letters were precious – a way of communicating with the outside world and receiving any news about one’s family. It was also a way of recalling one’s life up to that moment and recording one’s thoughts. A kind of meditation – when one never knew whether the letter would safely reach the intended recipient.

Childhood Days Childhood Days (1976) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Tradition and modernity Nelson Mandela wrote and spoke extensively about his background and childhood: whether about his experiences listening to adults solving problems or the two worlds he inhabited. What the archive shows is Mr Mandela’s keen awareness of the tension between tradition and modernity, and his view that while he has learned from his rural background, he became a modern man. He also wrote disparagingly about those who used their cultural mores to degrade others. He always urged that one respects tradition but that one should not allow it to determine one’s interaction with others.

NRM and Bikitsha (1941/1941) The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Hidden gun When Nelson Mandela and his cousin Justice left their home at the Great Place in 1941 to escape arranged marriages they ended up at Crown Mines in Johannesburg. At the gate he asked a man he knew from home called Bikitsha to carry his suitcase. A search by mine security guards revealed that wrapped inside some of his clothes in the suitcase was a loaded revolver which Mr Mandela’s father had left to him. Around 30 to 40 years later South African historian Professor Charles van Onselen was browsing for “left of centre” second-hand books in a Johannesburg bookshop. There, he came across a copy of Eddie Roux’s book Time Longer Than Rope: The Black Man’s Struggle for Freedom in South Africa. The book was banned in South Africa at the time. Prof Van Onselen bought the book and took it home. To his amazement, out dropped a picture of two young men – one of whom he immediately recognised as Robben Islander Nelson Mandela. Mr Mandela then confirmed that the other person in the photo is the Bikitsha of the hidden gun saga.

Mandela with his law class at the University of the Witwatersrand (1944) by WITS University archive The Nelson Mandela Foundation

University Nelson Mandela began studying at university in 1939 at the University of Fort Hare where he graduated in 1942 with a BA. In Johannesburg he enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand and then when he was imprisoned in 1962 he started studying with London University. It was only in 1989, months before he was released from prison that he finally graduated – albeit in absentia – with an LLB degree. But his time at Fort Hare was for him the most memorable. Here he was, a young man from the countryside getting the opportunity to study at what was then the most prestigious educational institutions for black people in Southern Africa. He knew that studying there would help him to carve out a successful life despite the discrimination and hardships of being black in a race obsessed country. He was disappointed to find, as he writes in his original autobiographical manuscript, that what he learned was not directly relevant to the South African situation.

End of Round One (1957-09) Original Source: Baileys African History Archive

Leaving home Perhaps one of the most defining moments of the life of Nelson Mandela was the death of his father Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa because it meant that he had to be separated from his beloved mother and move in with the Regent who took him as his own son. His life at the Royal residence, the Great Place at Mqhekezweni with Jongintaba Dalindyebo and his son Justice meant a life of privilege and opportunity. It meant that he would be educated at the best schools and enter university. It also meant that he was able to sit on the sidelines and watch as the Regent would meet with the community and listen to their problems before offering his own views. These experiences made an enormous impact on the kind of man Nelson Mandela was to come. He opened his unpublished autobiographical manuscript with the death of his father.

Raised by the king Nelson Mandela underwent the traditional Xhosa rite of passage to manhood when he was 16 years of age. He was joined by 25 other youths for the process known as ‘initiation school’ on the banks of the river close to which he was born. Initiation involved going away from home and living in the bush with the other youths. They received counselling and advice on becoming men and underwent circumcision to complete their transition. During his Presidential years and beyond Mr Mandela would take delight in shocking some of his overseas male visitors by describing his circumcision in wincing detail. A similar description he wrote in his unpublished autobiographical manuscript written on Robben Island in the 1970s. Nelson Rolihlahla was raised by a king. After the death of his father Nkosi (Chief) Mphakanyiswa Mandela who acted as counsellor to the Thembu King, the child was sent to the royal palace or Great Place at Mqhekezweni. There he was guided and cared for by Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the Regent for the infant King Sabata. Under his watchful eye the young Mandela received a privileged upbringing and received the best education at that time. Hovering around when the Regent held court and dealt with disputes, the future leader learned about dialogue as well as hearing all sides of an argument before venturing his own opinion. These skills stood him in great stead in the years ahead.

Remembering Qunu While he was born in the Eastern Cape village of Mvezo, the only son of his father’s third wife, Nelson Mandela spend most of his early childhood in Qunu and later moved to Mqhekezweni after his father died. He has always enjoyed returning to Qunu where he built a house after his release from prison in 1990. Uppermost in his mind as a free man was to visit Qunu where his parents were laid to rest. His mother Nosekeni had died in her Seventies in 1968 when her son was imprisoned on Robben Island. As soon as he could, he visited her grave and that of his father Nkosi (Chief) Mphakanyiswa who had died when he was a boy.

Visiting poet Nelson Mandela always enjoyed telling the story of how dramatically the Xhosa poet Mqhayi had burst into his young world, shattering myths and inspiring him to see beyond the barriers he had taken for granted. His telling and retelling of this story was based on Mqhayi’s visit to his Methodist boarding school Healdtown where he was sent to finish his high school education. His account draws the listener into the late 1930s institution ruled over by the colonial figure of Dr Arthur Wellington, whom virtually no one would question – until onto the stage strode Mqhayi who showed his rapt audience how they were the most important of all people. Mr Mandela ends by explaining that he later did, however, learn that it was backward to be tribalistic.

Arranged marriage Once Nelson Mandela had angered his guardian, the King, by getting himself expelled from the University College of Fort Hare, it was decided that the problem would be solved by an arranged marriage. He and Justice, his cousin and the king’s son, were presented with the plan: The King had found them both wives. It was this action on the King’s part that directly led to Mr Mandela’s exodus from the countryside and journey into the rapidly industrialising arms of the city of Johannesburg. It was there that he became interested in politics and set himself on the path to his destiny – overthrowing apartheid.

Discover more about Nelson Mandela here Photographer — Ardon Bar Hama Photographer — Matthew Willman Research & Curation — Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Staff

Nelson Mandela's Fight to Empower the Next Generation

The nelson mandela foundation, 11 february 1990: mandela's release from prison, africa media online, a brief history of nelson mandela's life, what happened at the treason trial, a virtual exhibition on the life and times of nelson mandela, 9 august 1956: the women's anti-pass march, what happened when nelson mandela previewed his prison archive, the signs that defined the apartheid, in his own words: nelson mandela's prison years, leadership during the rise and fall of apartheid.

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Biography and Deeds of Nelson Mandela

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Published: Oct 2, 2020

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Why I Admire Nelson Mandela Essay Guide and Example

Why I Admire Nelson Mandela Essay Guide and Example:

The essay titled “Why I Admire Nelson Mandela” presents a unique opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in the struggle for human rights and racial equality. Nelson Mandela , known affectionately as Madiba , was not just South Africa’s first black president but also a symbol of resilience, leadership, and peace worldwide. This guide aims to outline the key elements and considerations for crafting a compelling essay that explores personal admiration for Mandela’s life, values, and contributions to society.

• Describe Mandela’s early life, including his birth in 1918 in Mvezo, his education, and his early involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.
• Highlight his role in the African National Congress (ANC) and his dedication to combating institutionalised racism, leading to his arrest and 27-year imprisonment.
• Examine Mandela’s leadership qualities, focusing on his time in prison, where despite harsh conditions, he continued to be a beacon of hope and resistance for his followers.
• Emphasise his resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting on his ability to maintain his principles of non-violence and reconciliation.
• Discuss Mandela’s presidency, noting his efforts to dismantle the apartheid system, foster racial reconciliation, and promote social and economic justice in South Africa.
• Mention his role in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and his Nobel Peace Prize win in 1993 as recognition of his efforts to bring peace to a divided nation.
• Reflect on Mandela’s enduring legacy, not just within South Africa but globally, as an advocate for peace, equality, and human dignity.
• Include personal reflections on how Mandela’s life and teachings have influenced the writer’s views on justice, leadership, and forgiveness.

Conclusion: Summarise the key points made in the essay, reinforcing why Nelson Mandela is admired for his unwavering commitment to justice, his resilience in the face of oppression, and his contributions to peace and reconciliation. End with a personal note on what lessons the writer takes from Mandela’s life and how they can be applied to today’s challenges in striving for a better world.

Essay Writing Tips:

• Use specific examples from Mandela’s life t o support your points, such as his Rivonia Trial speech or his actions upon release from prison.
• Incorporate quotes from Mandela to illustrate his philosophy and ideals.
• Maintain a balanced tone , acknowledging Mandela’s human flaws while focusing on his extraordinary achievements.
• Engage the reader with personal reflections on Mandela’s impact, making the essay not just informative but also deeply personal and reflective.

Example Essay: Why I Admire Nelson Mandela

Introduction

Nelson Mandela’s legacy is a beacon of hope and resilience in a world rife with injustice. Known as Madiba, his journey from a small village in Mvezo to becoming South Africa’s first black president embodies the virtues of perseverance, leadership, and compassion. This essay explores the myriad reasons why Nelson Mandela is a figure of immense admiration, focusing on his struggle against apartheid, his unyielding resilience, his presidential tenure focused on reconciliation, and his enduring global impact.

Early Life and Struggle Against Apartheid

Nelson Mandela’s early life laid the foundation for his relentless fight against racial segregation. Born into the Thembu royal family, Mandela’s trajectory was significantly altered by the apartheid regime, leading him to join the African National Congress (ANC) . His commitment to dismantle apartheid was evident through his involvement in both peaceful protests and armed resistance, which ultimately resulted in a 27-year imprisonment. Despite the harsh conditions of his confinement, Mandela’s spirit remained unbroken, symbolising a powerful stand against institutionalised racism.

Leadership and Resilience

Mandela’s leadership and resilience are perhaps most remarkable during his years of incarceration. In the face of relentless adversity, he maintained dignity, hope, and a steadfast commitment to his cause. His ability to inspire others, even from within the confines of a prison cell, speaks volumes about his character. Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” This philosophy underpinned his approach to leadership, demonstrating an unparalleled resilience that continued to fuel the anti-apartheid movement.

Presidency and Contributions to Peace

Upon his release in 1990, Mandela’s transition from prisoner to president was symbolic of the country’s broader journey towards freedom and equality. His presidency was marked by efforts to reconcile a country divided by decades of racial strife. Through the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission , Mandela sought to heal the nation’s wounds by uncovering the truth about past injustices and promoting forgiveness over revenge. His receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 , alongside F.W. de Klerk, was a testament to his dedication to dismantling apartheid through peace and dialogue.

Legacy and Global Impact

Nelson Mandela’s influence extends far beyond the borders of South Africa. He emerged as a global symbol of peace, embodying the struggle for human dignity and equality. Mandela’s legacy is a reminder of the power of resilience and forgiveness. Personally, Mandela’s teachings have profoundly impacted my views on justice and leadership. His life is a testament to the fact that individuals have the power to change the course of history, inspiring me to advocate for positive change within my community.

In admiring Nelson Mandela, we celebrate a man who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. His fight against apartheid, unwavering resilience, efforts towards reconciliation, and enduring global impact are qualities that resonate deeply with those who aspire to make the world a more just and compassionate place. Nelson Mandela’s life teaches us that with courage, perseverance, and a heart full of forgiveness, it is possible to overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. As Mandela himself once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This essay is not just a reflection of my admiration for Mandela but a call to embody his values in our daily lives, striving towards a future marked by equality, peace, and unity.

Conclusion: Writing an essay on “Why I Admire Nelson Mandela” offers a profound way to explore and celebrate the life of a man who changed the course of history. By focusing on Mandela’s resilience, leadership, contributions to peace, and enduring legacy, writers can convey their admiration for his unparalleled impact on the world.

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Known and loved around the world for his commitment to peace, negotiation and reconciliation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was South Africa's first democratically elected president (1994-1999). Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader, as well as a philanthropist with an abiding love for children. Mandela was born into the Xhosa royal family on 18 July 1918 and died on 5 December 2013.