Photo source: Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science, via Wikimedia Commons
When you hear the name Nelson Mandela, what comes to mind? To many, he was a legend who fought for the freedom of his people. To some others, he was an embodiment of bravery and peace. He was a man who fought for social justice, perseverance, forgiveness, and peace.
Prison, humiliation, and attempts to break his spirit did not succeed in shaking his conviction that freedom could be achieved peacefully and without resorting to weapons.
Mandela’s journey from anti-apartheid revolutionary to political prisoner, and finally to the first democratically elected president of South Africa, continues to inspire new generations, especially within the global Black community. His life story isn’t just a chapter in a textbook; it is one of unyielding courage, profound sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of justice over oppression.
Every year on July 18th, the world comes together to celebrate South Africa’s most iconic leader, whose actions transformed the 20th century and helped shape the 21st. Through his work in ending South African apartheid, he forever changed a nation. Though not a public holiday, Nelson Mandela International Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2009, and it celebrates his lifelong dedication and service to conflict resolution, honoring his life and legacy.
Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
So to honor Mandela Day, we have selected some books and movies that offer a compelling window into Nelson Mandela’s transformative world. Are you a lover of Black history looking to connect deeply with the legacy of a man who changed the world, or simply seeking fuel for modern-day activism? These books and movies will help you learn about his life, legacy, and continued dedication to humanity.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Published by Little, Brown Book Group, it chronicles Mandela’s early life, coming of age, education, and 27 years in prison. It was written in secret during his imprisonment on Robben Island.
Through its pages, this book brings to life Mandela’s unbreakable spirit, struggle against apartheid, and the harsh reality of his political imprisonment. One of the most memorable quotes from this autobiography of Nelson Mandela is:
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
There’s also a movie based on this autobiography, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). Starring the British actor Idris Elba, it captures Mandela’s life – from rural boyhood, his time as a Johannesburg attorney, his involvement in politics, to when he was elected president in 1994.
Elba, who played the role of Mandela, told USA TODAY:
“I had a lot of reservations about it. Whoever plays Mandela has to do such a great job. He’s a real man. It’s a lot of responsibility — he’s a living legend.”
Photo source: Amazon.co.uk
Mandela: The Authorised Biography
This book was published in 1999, just five years after Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. It was written by the late journalist Anthony Sampson, who interviewed Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and others to produce this masterpiece that gave readers a clear picture of a flawed, flesh-and-blood Mandela as viewed through his interactions with people from all walks of life, from heads of state down to cruel prison guards.
Sampson, who first met Mandela in 1951 and had access to his prison memoir, gave one of the most comprehensive and informed accounts about Mandela’s beginnings as a lawyer, his political career, imprisonment, and eventual election as the first Black president of South Africa.
The book is widely considered to be the most important biography of Mandela.
Mandela: In Celebration of a Great Life
If you love stunning visuals, this book is packed with photographs that depict Mandela’s life and career. Originally published in 1999, Charlene Smith takes the reader on a journey through Mandela’s life as a husband, father, prisoner, and politician in a racially segregated South Africa. Smith also highlighted his three marriages and events that made headlines worldwide, such as those at Sharpeville and Soweto.
An updated version of the book was released in 2012. It was published by Struik Publishers.
| Read also: Winnie and Mandela biography: a masterful tale of South Africa’s troubled, iconic power couple |
Mandela, 1996
Release date: October 11, 1996 (South Africa)
Directors: Jo Menell, Angus Gibson
This 1996 documentary film, made with Mandela’s consent, is considered the first official film biography of the leader. It is a wonderful introduction for anyone to Nelson Mandela and South African Apartheid.
Photo source: imdb.com
This Oscar-nominated documentary, created from 200 hours of original footage, features an interview with Mandela. There are also interviews with other important people in his life. One of the things you will love about this documentary is how Mandela gives a vivid description of some of the events in his life, like the teenage group circumcision rites. Listening to Mandela’s side of the story would surely inspire anyone who decides to watch this.
Mandela and de Klerk (1997)
Release date: February 16, 1997
Director: Joseph Sargent
It dramatizes the tense negotiations between Mandela (played by Sidney Poitier) and South Africa’s last apartheid-era president, FW de Klerk (played by Michael Caine), to give Blacks the vote, end apartheid, and transform the racist nation into a rainbow democracy. The story tells how De Klerk came to announce in 1990 that Mandela, having served 27 years in prison, would be released.
In this political drama, which gives a swift overview of three decades of Mandela’s life, he comes across as a shrewd, driven, and rigorous moral man whose commitment to freedom remains absolute.
Invictus (2009)
Release date: December 11, 2009
Director: Clint Eastwood
This film is a captivating portrayal of one of history’s most remarkable figures. It begins with Mandela’s release from prison and election to the presidency. It tells the true story of how Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman), during his first term as president, tried to bridge racial divides. He joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon), to help unite the apartheid-torn country and win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Photo source: imdb.com
Mandela’s story extends far beyond South Africa’s borders, inspiring people everywhere, and these books and films are a reminder of his resilience in the face of systemic oppression. They echo a clear message: liberation is never given, it’s claimed.
There’s a lot we can learn from this legend. One such lesson is his capacity to extend forgiveness, even to his worst oppressors, who put him in prison for most of his adult life simply for demanding his freedom and that of his people.
This year, as we mark Mandela Day, let us ask ourselves: “How can we make a difference in our communities?”
