On December 5, 2013, the world lost one of its greatest and most revered leaders, Nelson Mandela. Mandela, a past president of South Africa, died at the age of 95 with his loved ones at home. Throughout the past few years, he suffered from health complications including a lung infection that landed him in the hospital multiple times, and a lifelong struggle with tuberculosis.
After serving as South Africa’s president from 1994-1999, Mandela was most famously known for transitioning from the oppressive Apartheid regime to a multiparty democracy. However, his journey to presidency did not come without obstacles. In fact, Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years after receiving secret military training in Morocco and Ethiopia in 1962. During his time in prison, Mandela’s second wife, Winnie, informed him of the growing need for his release to combat the Apartheid, as he was forbidden to read the newspaper. On February 11, 1990, Mandela was released from prison and within a mere four years, became the nation’s first black president. Serving only one term, Mandela still made a world of difference for reconciling the white and black tension that was ever present in South Africa. A seemingly impossible task was completed in four years to transform a troubled nation.
Mandela retired from all parts of politics with the end of his presidential term. However, he remained active in the fight against AIDS and with campaigning for human rights and world peace. In 2004, Mandela withdrew from the public completely to spend time with his family. His final appearance to the public was at the 2010 World Cup, where South Africa was awarded first place. All around this diverse world, Nelson Mandela is respected as a peacemaker and true leader. His accomplishments will continue to serve and inspire the world for ages to come.