By Kerri Rafferty
Staff Writer

A man who defied odds and adversity could not defy death. Nelson Mandela, 95, was declared deceased on Dec. 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mandela is recognized worldwide for not only his determination to end racial conflict in South Africa, but his success in doing so, despite the trials he faced. Mandela led and inspired revolutionary movements to end the apartheid and proceeded to become South Africa’s first black president.

Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa. He attended a Methodist primary school near Qunu, South Africa where he was given the name Nelson by a teacher. His given forename was Rolihlahla, meaning troublemaker.

Many of Mandela’s views were inspired by his early experiences. During his childhood, he discovered his love for African history and his loathe of imperialism, both of which were apparent later in his political actions.

Continuing his education, Mandela attended four different colleges. At the University College of Fort Hare in Alice, he was temporarily expelled for boycotts challenging the quality of food at the school.
In 1941, Mandela fled to Johannesburg to escape an arranged marriage. Here, he was offered employment in a law firm where he became increasingly interested and involved in politics.

He began to attend African National Congress (ANC) meetings, a group dedicated to unify South Africa and overcome a racially oppressive government.

In the span of about thirty years, Mandela was arrested on three occasions and served a total of 27 years and nine months in prison. Mandela briefly identified with the Communist Party and was a militant leader of the ANC’s underground operations named Umkhonto we Sizwe, also known as MK. This, in addition to a largely corrupt government, led to his imprisonment.

After his release, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and proceeded to become South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first democratic election, serving from 1994 to 1999.
During his presidency, Mandela concentrated on national reconciliation between whites and blacks, appointing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate crimes committed under the apartheid regime.

He increased welfare spending significantly, providing water, electricity, housing, employment and education to the general public.

He published three books and established three charitable foundations which concentrate on promoting health and education in South Africa. After battling illnesses including prostate cancer and respiratory infections, he retired from public appearances altogether.

Obama made a short speech on Dec.5 concerning Mandela’s death and legacy. “We have lost one of the most influential, courageous, profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth,” said Obama.

President of the World Affairs Club, senior Courtney Okwara, believes that students should feel just as inspired as Obama, “ I believe that students should apply the ideas of unity and reconciliation to their own lives. Mandela demonstrating his capacity to change, to move on, and to look forward to the future is something all human beings need to do.”

The world recognized Mandela on Dec. 9 in Soweto, South Africa. The memorial took place in a soccer stadium where Mandela made his final public appearance.

91 world leaders attended the memorial, including Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush Jr., and Jimmy Carter.

Each morning, Mandela’s body was carried through the streets to the capital, to give the citizens of South Africa a chance to pay their final respects before the funeral on Dec. 15 in Qunu. The state had declared a period of mourning from Dec. 5 to Dec. 15.

However, the world will mourn over the great loss of Mandela for much longer than a mere ten days.