Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black and democratically elected president, would have celebrated his 104th birthday today.
Mandela devoted his life to empowering women and men regardless of their religion and ethnicity and promoting dialogue and solidarity for justice and lasting peace.
To recognize his contribution to peace and culture, the UN officially designated Mandela Day in November 2009.
Every year, July 18 is celebrated worldwide to recognize the achievements of the anti-apartheid leader and to carry forward his legacy for a better future.
Although he was arrested and imprisoned for 27 years for fighting for freedom, Mandela refused to give up the struggle or give in to hate. Mandela was fighting against apartheid, but he was also fighting for something: a better world, in which the freedom, justice and dignity of all were respected.
He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993, along with South Africa’s president at the time, F.W. de Klerk, for having led the transition from apartheid to a multiracial democracy. Mandela is also known for being the first black president of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999.
Nelson Mandela showed heroism through his selfless and dedicated acts, by fighting to bring liberty and justice to his people and risking his life for the equality of all. Mandela was the first president of South Africa who fought daily to bring liberty and justice to his people.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
