Source: Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

― Nelson Mandela

The quote above not only epitomizes the personality of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela but became exemplary of the kind of life he lived that the United Nations in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for democracy, human rights, justice, equality, promotion of a culture of peace, and fundamental freedoms set aside in its resolution A/RES/64/13 declaring July 18 as the Nelson Mandela International Day.

A Legacy of Struggle

The life and legacy of Mandela had been characterized as a fight against oppression, injustice, and social inequality. Born July 18, 1918, to Chief Henry Mandela of the famous Mandiba clan, Nelson Mandela was a nationalist, lawyer, and a member of the African National Congress (ANC) whose ideologies at that time were targeted at opposing the country’s apartheid system and continued racial segregation by the ruling party.

A non-violent campaign had been the guiding principle of the ANC party. Still, after several targeted attacks on the party and some of its members, especially with the brutal police massacre at Sharpeville on many unarmed Black men and women in 1960, Nelson Mandela’s activism against racial segregation took a new dimension with the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) which became the paramilitary arm of the African National Congress with the sole aim of working to protect its members, the Black community and more importantly, sabotage the South African apartheid government through guerrilla attacks.

As a fugitive and person of interest, Mandela continually evaded authorities until his arrest on August 5, 1962, trial, and subsequent incarceration for 27 years. Yet, despite the seeming victory by the governing party against the movement, the situation continued to deteriorate as resistance towards the evil of apartheid began to gain international recognition with several countries calling for an end to the apartheid regime in South Africa.

On February 11, 1990, Mandela regained freedom, and after would go on to become deputy president and later on became president of the party. As President, he would later work with the administration of F.W. de Klerk (both of whom jointly received the Nobel Prize for peace in 1993) to end apartheid and a transition to democracy.

In April 1994, Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president and introduced several reforms that would help the nation heal and set it on its path to experiencing true democracy.

Source: Governor-General of Australia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Symbolism of the International Day of Nelson Mandela

In his now famous book – “Long Walk to Freedom” Mandela writes “I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me.”

In regaining his freedom from incarceration, Mandela as President committed himself to working to heal the divide in his country through reconciliation and the preservation of human rights, equality, and freedom becoming a global voice for peace.

In a world plagued by internal and global conflict, the day becomes a reminder of the importance of individuals, groups, and nations committing themselves to work toward lasting peace by finding ways to defuse ongoing and potential conflicts across the world.

The day also allows for creating awareness of the inhumane conditions being experienced in some parts of the world as a result of war, strife, and tyranny leading to several human rights violations with many experiencing several deplorable situations and in need of help.

This day reminds all of humanity of our responsibility and duty to always work toward the safeguarding of the rights of everyone and ensuring that of has a voice and is adequately represented in this great community of mankind.

July 18 is not just an opportunity to remember the life of Mandela as a global icon, it also presents a reminder that the act of service remains our greatest duty as humans toward each other even as we strive to foster a spirit of freedom and community.

Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.oniccima@gmail.com