"Long Walk to Freedom"Ended at Last!

'What is a leader?', something I've been asked countless times and though I may end
up mustering a reasonable enough an answer, the true meaning of the five lettered
word always remainsvague. Something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I mean
surely, surely a leader's got to be strong-willed, focused, demonstrative, intellectual,
influential and all that.But is that all? Or does he have to be the unwavering ray of
light that penetrates even the darkest of hearts by breaking through the thick veil of
hopelessness and despair; a backbone, an example to his community of protgs?
Presented before me, recently, was another question, 'Was Mandela really such a great
leader?'
One thing that flutters to mind, when I hear the name Mandela, is 'hardships'.
Hardships that molded him into the hero we know. Fighting against racial
discrimination, and for equality and peace, he left a permanent mark on many, when,
even after over 27 yearsin prison, his goal remained intact, as he emerged a changed
man with lesson of love and forgiveness.
:We, the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know "
That South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no
".government can justify claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people
While he confronted modern principles of liberty, democracy, equality and political
rights in college, he was also deeply distressed to see his fellow Africans pushed
around as slaves, by the ruling power of the time, Britain. Their cruel oppression of
his people broke his heart and Nelson Mandela, infused with the ideals of free will
and democracy, took up the cause of national freedom as a student and joined the
African National Congress (ANC), a small organization that had been set up on
similar lines as the Indian National Congress in India. Within a few years, Nelson
Mandela became its foremost leader and spokesman.
ANC, under Nelson Mandelas leadership, organized labor strikes and nationwide
protests and demonstrations againstthe racist political system of apartheid. Their
efforts, however, were met with cruel resistance, torture and shedding of much
African blood, and eventually Mandela and other key leaders of ANC were arrested
and charged with treason in 1964.
During his time in jail, he became the source of inspiration as thousands and
thousands of Africans joined the nationalist movement for freedom, forcing the white
rulers to give up apartheid and release their beloved leader in 1990.
Nelson Mandelas greatest achievement was not so much in becoming South Africas
first black president as putting an end to the evil of apartheid, which divided blacks
and whites of South Africa. He ushered in the history of South Africa, an era of social

harmony, national unity, democratic governance, and building the national fabric from
the scars of former regime.
His simple principles of political agitation, almost on the lines of Mahatma Gandhihealing the wounds of hate, bringing about national unification, becoming the symbol
of the oppressed people all over the world- colored countless lives, from all around
the world, with the bright hues of freedom and delight, as they continue to strive as
one, regardless of ethnicity.
Today Nelson Mandela is acclaimed as one of the greatest personalities of our times.
He belongs to that category of men who have graced our civilization with their
personal charisma and noble contributions. He exchanged his smile for the tears of the
tormented. His life long fight for the cause of freedom in South Africa and its eventual
success will be penned in golden letters in the annals of history. His entire life
epitomizes mans unquenchable thirst for freedom.
His voice continues to echo in our world wherever and whenever freedoms of people
are threatened and chained.
His life has almost mirrored the journey of an entire people; a remarkable journey
of hardship, struggle and now liberation, so says an editorial, published in a South
African Newspaper named Sowetan.
I say yes, he really was the greatest of all leaders!

-Muntaha