Imprisoned for much of his life, Madiba (Born 18 July 1918; Passed away 5 December 2013) emerged from prison not a broken or bitter man, but instead he emerged as a beacon of hope, forgiveness and reconciliation. It is difficult if not impossible to imagine any other person who could have embodied all those qualities, and the ability to impart them to the people of SA and the world, as he did.
One of the quotes attributed to him reads: "If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness." His achievement in being the power behind what a great many people, here in SA but also around the world call "the miracle of South Africa" confirms that he travelled both those roads, for the benefit of his country and all who live here.
For many South Africans, his presidency was the golden age of democracy in this country, and the challenge now is for a future leader to fill the void he left, but it will be a rare individual who can achieve what Madiba achieved...
Unlike many leaders who prefer to hog the limelight, Madiba had a take on leadership that many current leaders here and elsewhere might be wise to adopt. He is quoted as saying: "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."
He would be the first to refute any claims that he was a saint or infallible, he was human after all, but he did indeed prove that, as he is quoted as saying: "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
And a formidable leader he was. Now he can rest in peace having left a legacy that will endure.
See also [ICONS of South Africa]: Nelson Mandela.
AP Life and Achievements
AP Video Archives
Associated Press
Australia: Sydney Morning Herald
Australia: Sydney Morning Herald additional coverage
Canada: Toronto National Post
China: South China Morning Post
France: AFP News Hub
France: Le Monde
Germany: Bild
India:Times of India (coverage and related links)
New Zealand Herald
UAE: Al Jazeera
UK: BBC News
UK: Daily Telegraph
UK: The Sun
US: Washington Post
US: NY Times News Coverage
US: San Francisco Chronicle
US: Rolling Stone
You are welcome to submit your tributes to Nelson Mandela below, and perhaps reflect on how he touched your life, whether you were fortunate enough to meet him, or simply by how he brought this nation together when it counted most:
