Remembering Mandela- An Iconic Public Servant

The man who devoted his whole life to be a global advocate for human rights was from a small village and left back an impact that still speaks of his love, inspiration, and spirit of equality.

The world celebrates July 18, his birthday as Mandela Day to inspire individuals and give a global call to follow his footsteps. His selfless service of humanity made him an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa. Every year people are called to devote 67 minutes to make a positive difference in honor Africa’s Greatest Freedom Symbol- Nelson Mandela.

Get to know some of the historical facts that made this dynamic leader who he is to the world today:

•         Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga in 1918 into the Xhosa-speaking Thembu people, he was lovingly called as "Madiba" but, the world knew him best by the name his teacher christened him with.
•         Initially stood by nonviolence, Mandela co-founded "Spear of the Nation" or MK, the militant wing of the African National In 1961.
•         As the world's most famous political prisoner, he was imprisoned from 1964 to 1982 in the notorious prison island Robben Island and was later moved to the mainland prison until his release in 1990.
•        Was offered a chance to get out of prison in the year 1985. The freedom Icon declined is as the then South African President P.W. Botha offered his freedom if Mandela would renounce armed struggle.
•        His courtroom speech known as “I Am Prepared To Die’ was delivered in 1964 and received worldwide attention and spared him that fate and was sentenced to life incarceration.
•        Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work for the peaceful dissolution of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.
•        In the year 2002, he established the nonprofit organization 46664, named after his prison identification number on a mission to support HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.
•       His magnetism, self-deprecating sense of humor and commitment to serve won his country the chance to host the 2010 football World Cup.
•         As the Father of Modern South Africa, Mandela worked against oppressive government and fought for democracy and equality against racism till he breathed his last on December 5, 2013.

Let’s continue his legacy by celebrating Mandela Day- with the best of what we could do towards the mission he lived for. Let’s inspire change. Let’s be the change!