Global Issues
Nelson Mandela’s Day: A lesson to Learn -By Olayinka Abdurrazzaq
One of the most remarkable lives of the twentieth century was Mandela. The recipient of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, president of the African National Congress, and head of the antiapartheid movement, Rolihlahla was one of the world’s greatest moral and political leaders.
The first message I received on my mail today was from Britannica World Broadcast reminding me of the birthday of the great leader ever had in Africa –Nelson Mandela. I’m happy about this because I’m at present, reading his autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’.
Will you travel with me to South Africa to know a bit about the achievements of this great leader? Be calm, your Visa is free though, Nelson could send you one from heaven, as you know, he was a philanthropist.
He was the president of South Africa born on July 18, 1918 Mvezo, South Africa and died
December 5, 2013 (aged 95) Johannesburg, South Africa.
One of the most remarkable lives of the twentieth century was Mandela. The recipient of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, president of the African National Congress, and head of the antiapartheid movement, Rolihlahla was one of the world’s greatest moral and political leaders.
His journey to the peak was not an easy task. He fought for the liberation and freedom of his people. His antiapartheid movement and dramatic years of the underground which led to his sentence to life imprisonment in 1964. He faced many obstacles before he reached the apex.
He became a two terms president of South African without a campaign. He was incarcerated, beaten, and tortured, not because of his self-interest but because of the interest of people. His impact on the ANC association in Johannesburg can never be forgotten. He is a great leader that can never be erased in the world’s golden book of history.
Do you know his secret of living and great achievement? Wait, I will tell you today, perhaps it will benefit you. The secret of the legend is very simple, — ‘service to people’. Throughout the life of Mandela, he served the people. The interest of people was his first priority. All his struggles from the beginning to the end was service for people. And that was what made his name immortal in the hearts of people.
Like him, if you wish your name to remain after you, you should invest in people. If you get ready to serve people, behold, money, leadership, honour will come. And your name will surely remain after you. That is a simple secret and lesson from Mandela.
