The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Remembering Nelson Mandela

South African artist John Adams, who says he feels driven to paint Nelson Mandela in return for opening up the educational opportunities that enabled him to become an artist, works on a speed-painting of Mandela in the street outside Mandelas old house in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. South Africa is readying itself for the arrival of a flood of world leaders for the memorial service and funeral of Nelson Mandela as thousands of mourners continued to flock to sites around the country Saturday to pay homage to the freedom struggle icon. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
South African artist John Adams, who says he feels driven to paint Nelson Mandela in return for opening up the educational opportunities that enabled him to become an artist, works on a speed-painting of Mandela in the street outside Mandela’s old house in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. South Africa is readying itself for the arrival of a flood of world leaders for the memorial service and funeral of Nelson Mandela as thousands of mourners continued to flock to sites around the country Saturday to pay homage to the freedom struggle icon. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
APTOPIX South Africa Mandela Mourning
South African artist John Adams, who says he feels driven to paint Nelson Mandela in return for opening up the educational opportunities that enabled him to become an artist, works on a speed-painting of Mandela in the street outside Mandela’s old house in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. South Africa is readying itself for the arrival of a flood of world leaders for the memorial service and funeral of Nelson Mandela as thousands of mourners continued to flock to sites around the country Saturday to pay homage to the freedom struggle icon. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)


“We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.”

The words of South African President Jacob Zuma captured the mournings of Nelson Mandela’s death, but more importantly the celebrations of his life. His words echoed sentiments shared not only across South Africa, nor across its continent, but rather around the world.

Mandela served as one of, if not the, most important leader in South Africa’s battle against apartheid. In his younger years, he led a campaign of violence against the apartheid regime that controlled the state.

At the end of the Rivonia Trial, during which he was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and conspiracy, Mandela left the courtroom — and his followers across South Africa — with words of his dedication to his fight.

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities,” Mandela said at the end of a four-hour courtroom speech. “It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

He served 27 years of that life sentence, during which time he continued his fight for rights and equality to be extended to all — including those imprisoned.

Most importantly, Mandela was released from prison a man devoted to forgiveness, peace and determination to fight for the rights of his country.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with then South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk for the successful end of the apartheid regime, and the transition to a democratic rule without the civil war that could have been.

Mandela won the presidency in 1994 and, per his promise, served one term before Thabo Mbeki succeeded him in 1999.

Though Mandela was no longer in office, he remained the leader of South Africa, and a leader of peace worldwide. He became a leader of human rights, and a respected commentator of the world’s leaders and their decisions in the name of peace or warfare.

True to Zuma’s words, Mandela did and will always serve as the pinnacle of peace and prosperity leaders and individuals globally seek to achieve in the face of challenge, discrimination and oppression.

He was not released from 27 years of imprisonment and labor to seek vengeance or to settle any scores. He accepted his freedom hand-in-hand with a forgiveness that propelled him forward into the ultimate fight for peace by peace, and not by violence. His political brilliance and ability to draw people in by shared determinations carried him to his legacy.

Mandela’s 95 years ended Thursday, and the world turned its attention to South Africa with respect, reflection and reverence.

President Barack Obama will be joined by former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as members of their families, to attend the Tuesday memorial service honoring Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.

Gough is a senior majoring in journalism and theater.

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