On July 18th, the world joined South Africa in celebrating Madiba’s 94th birthday.
Although Nelson Mandela often casts a divisive shadow (especially in retrospect, as the rich-poor disparity in South Africa has persisted to this very day), there are very few individuals in our time-nay- in the history of the modern world who are held in such high esteem as Nelson Mandela is. Maybe it was his fearless leadership against the Apartheid regime; or the 27 years he spent behind bars at Robben Island; or the spirit of reconciliation with his former oppressors with which he took the office of president; or the fact that he is one of the very few post-colonial Sub-Saharan African presidents to give up his position early in his reign; or that his involvement post presidency has continued to be a beacon to everyone-South African or otherwise: whatever it maybe, Nelson Mandela is unrivaled as a champion of human rights, education and empowerment.
Amongst his long list of accomplishments and accolades, Madiba’s commitment to education is often lost. Before he was politically active, Mandela was a qualified lawyer and the first black partner in a South African law firm. Informally, Mandela educated himself by looking to Mahatma Gandhi and others for inspiration and leadership lessons.
To attempt to describe Madiba and his magnificent aura in one article is to do his legacy a disservice. At CLUBHOUSE International, Nelson Madiba Mandela stands as the model of what an African child can grow to be. Our aim is to promote academics, community service and social engagement in such a way that one feels total ownership and pride in their environment.
If history has taught us anything, this is the only way that true leaders can arise.
“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
