In their different social, cultural, and traditional diversity, South African citizens seem not to be aware of how much they are blessed to have been led by many capable Black African leaders in their social being.
Arguably speaking, among these leaders, the one that stands out the most, and the one that rose high above the rest, is Nelson Rolihlahla "Madiba" "Tata" Mandela.
Mandela sacrificed half of his life for the emancipation of an African child by opposing the oppressive white apartheid system of government where inequality was a norm.
Mandela stood firm in his belief that neither the minority nor the majority should oppress each other, he firmly believed in equality and the development of the lives of the marginalised and disenfranchised citizens of this beautiful country coined "Mzansi".
For him to have travelled from Qunu in the Eastern Cape to advocate his belief and principles upon arrival in Johannesburg proved his vigour as an energetic young man. He worked as a security officer at one of the mines in the City of Gold and soon enrolled as a law student. That was when he realised, he had to fight for equality among South Africans across racial lines.
As a law professional, Mandela befriended many in the legal and socio-political fraternity. One can name the late Advocate George Bizos SC and Braam Fischer among his compatriots from other racial groups. Mandela believed in achieving equal and democratic rights as a collective across all racial groups in the country.
Mandela spent almost 30 years away from his wife, Winnie Nomzamo Mandela and his children whilst incarcerated at Robben Island prison, which specifically operated to detain freedom and political liberation movements leaders. He unselfishly sacrificed his well-being and social life for the benefit of most of the citizens of this country.
When the oppressive white minority government leaders dangled a carrot in his face with a promise of being released from prison conditionally, "Tata Madiba" refused to budge and flatly informed the apartheid leaders that he would begin his fight for liberation from where he stopped in the early 1960s.
Even though the Universe and South Africans credited him more than any other liberation struggle icons for his role, Rolihlahla never felt entitled to the credit the public afforded him.
Through the Mandela Foundation, he raised millions of rand allocated to the just cause of eradicating poverty and assisting charity organisations. The 46664 music festival featured international performing artists such as Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Papa Wemba and Angelique Kidjo, some notable musicians who graced the event and performed at this festival. The proceeds thereof would be donated to charity.
Whilst in prison during the dark days of apartheid oppressive years, the international community never stopped celebrating Mandela's birthday. The most conspicuous one was in 1988 at Wembley Stadium in Britain. That was when Dutch-born football legend Ruud Gullit, an AC Milan player at the time, dedicated his FIFA Footballer of the Year Award to Nelson Mandela.
Whether we agree or not, Mandela's legacy and historical impact on the fight against inequality and oppression will forever be documented in the history of this country and internationally. We say goodbye to Mandela Month, and now we welcome the month of August, affectionately known as Women's Month.
