Essay on Nelson Mandela: First Black President of South Africa

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We are providing many paragraphs, long essay in very simple language with the boundaries of different words here.  Here you can find Essay on Nelson Mandela: First Black President of South Africa in English language for students in 1100 words. In this article cover Topic : First black President ot South Africa, Family background, Mandela's educational life, Joined ANC in 1944, In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment, Released in 1990. became the first black President of South Africa in 1994, His idealism is quite similar with Gandhiji's view, Apartheid ended. new reforms in economy was introduced, Retired from active politics in 1999, Won many awards including Nobel Peace Prize and His life and ideals inspired all.

Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa is one of the greatest leaders and politicians who has graced the civilisation with many noble contributions. Nelson Mandela was born as Rolihlahla Mandela on 18th July, 1918, in a small village of Mvezo in Transkei, South Africa. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, served as a local chief and counsellor to the Monarch. Mandela's father lost his fortune, which forced his mother, Noqaphi Nosekeni to move to an even smaller village.

Mandela grew up in the village of Qunu, where he spent his early years herding the cattle and playing with other boys of the village. Though both his parents were illiterate, they realised the importance of education and sent Mandela to the Methodest school, when he was just seven. He was the 6rst in his family to attend school.

Mandela completed his BA at the University of South Africa via correspondence after which Mandela studied law at the University of Witwatersrand At college, he came into contact with modern principles of freedom, liberty, democracy, equality, political rights etc. He was deeply distressed to see the sufferings of fellow

Africans, who were no better than slaves under the British rule. Mandela participated in movement s against racial discrimination.

Nelson Mandela's political journey began with the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944. Mandela developed ANC's Defiance Campaign. In 1961, he led ANC'S armed wing. ANC challenged the racist political system of apartheid, in which black Africans were legal1y discriminated against, in all walks of life. ANC under Nelson Mandela's leadership organised labour strikes and nationwide proLests and demonstrations against apartheid during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Their efforts were met with cruel resistance, torture and shedding of much African blood. Nelson Mandela and other key leaders of ANC were arrested and charged with treason. In 1964, onwards Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and he was imprisoned in the famous Robben Island Prison, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Life in the prison was like living in the worst place in South-Africa. The prisoners were treated in a non-conducive manner. The prisoners belonging to African National Congress (ANC) were classified as 'D' category meaning most dangerous and had the least right

Being the leader of the group, Nelson received more harsh treatment than the others. He was nor allowed to meet any one and his wife was allowed to meet him once in a six months. Mandela spent 27 consecutive years of his life in detention. While in prison Mandela rejected several offers of 'conditional' release which would have imposed limitations on his political activities.

By that time South Africa was being increasingly isolated as a racist state. Civil unrest had spread and international boycotts and diplomatic pressures were mounting on South Africa. There was world wide campaign to release him. In 1990 he was released unconditionally. I n the first force election that followed in 1994 ANC under Nelson Mandela won the election and he was chosen co lead the country as its first black President.

Nelson Mandela's greatest achievement was not so much in becoming South Africa's first black President but was putting an end to the evil of apartheid which divided blacks and whites of South Africa. He ushered in the history of South Africa an era of social harmony, national unity, democratic governance, and building the nationa1 fabric from t.he scars of former regime.

His simple principles of political agitation almost on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi, healing the wounds of hate, bringing about national unification, becoming the symbol of the oppressed people all over the world etc ate some of his nob1e legacies to the world.

He advocated and employed methods to kill racism, allow full citizenship to people, redistribute land, bestow trade union rights and provide free and compulsory education for children. As a President, Maridela worked very hard to smoothen the transition of a minority black rule to a major black rule. He ended apartheid and established new Constitution. He also introduced new reforms in economic poucy of South Africa. Mandela's international contribution as a mediator for Libya and United Kingdom, overseen military intervention and human right activist is also appreciated.

In 1999, Mandela retired from active politics but he continued to remain active on social front by raising money and building schools and healthcare centres in the cuuntry. Mandela was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was being treated for the same in 2001. Weakened by cancer and other health issues he breathed his last breathe on 5th December, 2013 due to a recurring lung infection.

Mandela was a proud recipient of Nobel Prize for Peace in 1933 which he dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, whom he was greatly influenced with. Apart from this, he received more than 250 awards including honourary degrees from more than 50 universities worldwide to pay tribute and homage to this South African leader for his contributions to democracy, freedom, peace and human rights around the world, the United Nations declared 18th July to be observed as 'Nelson Mandela Day' every year.

Mandela, has inspired the masses not only through his work but also by his words. His autobiography, 'Long Walk to Freedom' is filled with knowledge and experiences capable of moulding thoughts. He has written in his book his concern about equality for blacks.

No one is born with hatred for another person because of the colour of bis sl'in or his background, or his religion. People must learn to love or they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Mandela aspired to spread peace, equality and learning and never gave up his devotion in doing so.

Despite of terrible provocation, he never gave up hope and stayed firm about his goals. His writing and speeches are collected in am Prepared to Die'; 'No Easy Walk to Freedom; The Struggle in My Life and In His Own Words'.

Nelson Mandela's contribution for liberation of Africa, continuous struggle for social justice and struggle to change system is honoured by one and all. In remembrance of this noble contributor, the entire civilisation should honour the principles for which he stood for; equality, justice and peace for all.

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