Nelson Mandela – Leadership Which Ended Apartheid
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Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa and was an instrumental figure in ending apartheid. After his term as president, Nelson Mandela became an advocate for social and human rights organizations.
A Short Biography
Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa. He was the first in his family to attend school, and it was there that his English teacher gave him the name ‘Nelson.'
His involvement in politics started when the National Party, which supported the apartheid policy of racial segregation, won the elections. Mandela joined the African National Congress party and began actively campaigning against the National Party’s policies using nonviolent methods inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
However, as time passed and he was no closer to ending apartheid, he changed his philosophy and began organizing more guerrilla warfare-like sabotage tactics to further his cause. After being on the run for 17 months, Mandela was finally captured and imprisoned in 1962. His imprisonment lasted an incredible 27 years.
In the late 1980s, there was mounting pressure from the international and local community for the South African government to release Mandela. He was finally released on February 11, 1990.
South Africa's first multiracial elections, in which full enfranchisement was granted, were held on April 27, 1994. Mandela’s party won the election, and he became the first black president of South Africa. As president, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule to apartheid, winning international respect for his national and international reconciliation advocacy.
Mandela retired from the presidency in June 1999 and devoted himself to social activism.
On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away at 95. Tributes from all over the world poured in. U.S. President Obama said that Mandela had achieved more than any man could expect, while British Prime Minister David Cameron said, "A great light had gone out of this world.”
Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 “for [his] work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.”
Neldon Mandella Leadership Lessons
- Have a vision that is for the greater good.
Mandela envisioned a South Africa without apartheid, where every man would be free and equal in the eyes of the nation. It was this vision that sustained him through his darkest days in prison.
We’re often taught that success means wanting a big house, a fancy car, and a luxurious lifestyle. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But when the going gets tough, you’ll give up quickly because the desire for material possessions won’t be strong enough to sustain you.
However, if your vision is to impact the world positively, you can draw on that to persevere, even when faced with the toughest challenges.
- You need to fight for your vision.
Your journey to achieving your vision won’t be a walk in the park. You will face many obstacles and individuals who oppose your progress. Before Mandela successfully abolished apartheid in South Africa, he faced opposition from individuals and organizations worldwide. During the early years of his anti-apartheid movement, he was imprisoned and declared a terrorist by the United States.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison before being elected President of South Africa. He never gave up on his vision despite such a huge setback.
You will face setbacks in your life, too. Don’t give up, and keep pressing on. Do not get discouraged at the first obstacle! Fight for what you believe in, and remember your purpose whenever you feel like giving up.
No matter your vision's ideal, it means change for some people. Not everyone is willing to change because it is uncomfortable and sometimes outright painful. Don’t expect everyone to rally behind you. Have conviction in your goals and stay committed to them. Your steadfastness will influence and inspire others to join you over time.
- Leadership is not tied to a position.
Mandela is an excellent example of leadership not tied to a position. Winning the South African presidency formalized his work as a leader and enlarged the scope of his influence and impact. However, he held considerable influence even before his presidency and continued to use his political and social capital after he retired.
His ability to unite people and galvanize support for the abolishment of the apartheid, even while he was imprisoned, shows that leadership can thrive without formal authority. After he had retired from his presidency, Mandela continued to use his influence positively by supporting social causes.
You don’t need a formal title to display leadership qualities. Being a leader is about influencing and motivating others to achieve a goal, which can be done at any level. Whether you are leading a team, cultivate your skills and look for opportunities to showcase your leadership potential when working with others. Someone will notice the positive impact you’re having on the organization!
Quotes from Nelson Mandela
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds many more hills to climb.”
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
“There is no passion for being found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
“We must use time wisely and realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
See Also: Nelson Mandela The End of Apartheid | Dwight D. Eisenhower: Allied Forces Supreme Commander | What Makes a Leader