Nelson Mandela In My Life - Hannatu Musawa

As the sad news about hero passing appeared this morning, the heartbreak felt by many of us had to be juggled by the stoical sense of realism in the knowledge that a critically ill man, who had dedicated the vast majority of his life to struggle, could finally be laid to rest.
Nelson Mandela was an international figure, loved by most, admired by even those who reviled his struggle.
His life and even his death have influenced freedom fighters of all generations.
Although his passing had been expected for a long time coming, the loss of this highly admired man was still unexpected.
As I watch all the accolades from world leaders and ordinary folk on TV celebrating Mandela’s life and legacy, I also reflect on the key lessons that his life and example offers me as a person.
Having spent 27 years in his tiny cell, Mandela left behind a huge legacy of how to live a life of simplicity. Though he was a world leader and idolized by millions, upon his release, he continued to lead a simple life with few distractions and commitments.
I was not one of those who had the privilege of personally knowing Mandela, although I had the opportunity with my mother, father and siblings to be present and see him at a gathering where he gave a moving speech to commemorate his release in the early nineteen nineties.
On that occasion, Mandela spoke of peace, unity, forgiveness and integrity. As clear as day, I vividly remember him say that, “Through the power of dialogue and reconciliation, people can come together.”
I was so touched and inspired by his speech and its main idea… that in  the end I cried.
Everything else that I know about him are what I have read and seen about his struggles and achievements on TV and in print. But even then, somehow, I have always had the feeling that Mandela was someone that I personally knew, someone that I loved deeply.
Mandela was a man who did what he did out of duty and the internal obligation he felt to strive for his people, not out of a need to be celebrated.
But celebrate him we must so that history can tell generations and generations after us what he meant to us and the legacy he bequeath to the world.
That he represents something that should never be lost throughout the ages. And I really hope that his life story will never be put on a shelf and forgotten.
He was the one to make the world a better place.
Mandela revealed the real meaning of struggling for life to the world, especially to those marginalized, even if it is something people often ignore.
He showed that the only thing man desires is love and a determination to fight for that love; be it for one’s faith, one’s people, one’s family or one’s soul. And it was his love for his people that ultimately drove his determination.
Often people are unable to speak out against wrongs and injustices, feeling that they are all alone. Mandela showed that when one has passion for life and human dignity, no one is insignificant in this world.
He embodied all these things, especially when he gave up his freedom and the offer of relative safety for his people; uncertain as to what might eventually happen to him and his family.
Indeed, Mandela believed in the one voice that can make all the difference in this world, even if it is marginalized.
He showed courage, and what true leadership represents. And for him, leadership was never about gaining power or making himself a hero; for Mandela, leadership was always about his love for his people.
When I think about it, I can honestly say that most of all, his example urged me, as an individual, never to be discouraged and to be a person of hope.
When I read and see how he selflessly gave his life to those relegated, he showed me what was truly important in life. And as he showed me, he showed the world that love; the love of freedom, the love of a just cause, the love of his people was the greatest thing in his life. This, I believe, is the most special gift he left to humanity.
Despite our differences in this very diverse globe that we exist in, no matter our various belief systems or conventions, as people, it is important to embrace the human values and teachings of a man like Nelson Mandela.
Trying to do good and fight for his people’s will in everything, as Mandela did, helped define the finest structure for peace and represent the long walk that is vital to be taken for freedom. How I wish the world would truly embrace this message.

There are so many speeches Mandela gave that we can draw inspiration from. But, for me, it was his life that gave the greatest speech of all.
His life spoke in a simple language that was a source of inspiration for so many. It was the great Mahatma Gandhi who once advised people to let their life be their message. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” he advised.
By living the life and experiences that Mandela did, he was able to devote his life to his chosen purpose. He showed total focus on his commitment to his people and freedom. And by being the change he wanted to see in the world that became his greatest legacy.
If I could say one thing about Nelson Mandela was, despite all the great qualities that he exhibited throughout his life, I can honestly say that at the very core of him I believe Nelson Mandela was just a very, very good and decent person.
As I join the world in mourning the loss of this beautiful soul, my condolence goes to every South African, all the people who loved him, his friends and family, especially his children, Madiba Thembekile Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela, Makgatho Lewanika Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela, Zenani Mandela, Zindziswa Mandela, his wife, Graca Machel and his ex wives, Winnie Madikizela and Evelyn Ntoko Mase.