South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 14, 2005. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE
Nelson Mandela has died. The 95-year old father of South Africa led the country against the apartheid system and eventually became the country’s first black president. In an address to the nation to announce his death on Thursday, President Jacob Zuma said, "He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our people have lost a father," echoing the sentiments of many across the country and the world. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of treason by the white minority government, only to be released in 1990 and to unite a nation deeply divided by race. As the world mourns, what do you think is Mandela’s legacy?
What do you think? Record a video comment or share your thoughts with The Stream in the comments.
[View the story "What did Nelson Mandela’s life mean to you?" on Storify]What did Nelson Mandela’s life mean to you?The former South African president was the 'father of the nation' and an icon for the world.Storified by The Stream· Thu, Dec 05 2013 15:38:11Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president, died at his home in Johannesburg on Thursday. According to his daughter, Mandela put up a "courageous fight" against a lung infection he had been battling for more than three months.“Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people&his country,he can rest in peace” #MadibaNelsonMandelaThe Stream community shared their answers: What did Mandela's life mean to you?@AJStream I feel like he gives me the courage to stand up against those who want me to remain silent. #NelsonMandela #FreedomFighterHawa.YI learnt that #Mandela went to prison for the love of his country. Sadly Africa is devoid of such leaders. @AJStream #MandelaIt's ur kid,ladumdum@mmbilal @AJStream He made me understand the mindset of a humble Leader who store no hatred, making the world a better place,glows with loveJay Bieggs ®I remember as a child #Mandela's walk from captivity. We should now recall all he stood for; hope, a better future and equality for all #fbMartin McGannHe gave me the motivation and belief that as an African I can Soar higher than I think @mmbilal @AJStream #Mandela #MadibaUncle_sam#SPACO!!I've never seen every single tweet on my TL, from around the world, be about one person. #MadibaMelanie BalaUpon hearing President Zuma's announcement, nearly 90,000 tweets out of South Africa were sent in less than two hours. South Africans online mourned the leader's death by remembering his courageous contributions to justice in the former apartheid-ruled country. Many shared their grief and gratitude on Twitter:For South Africans, this is like the death of a dear father. Our libertarian and teacher of humanity has left us #RIPNelsonMandelaRyan As a South African, I have always held Tata Madiba close to my heart. I always felt as though he is the father of our nation. I am shatteredEmeliya HelmyThank you #Madiba for making me #ProudlySouthAfrican, allowing me to believe in the goodness of man. Your example will remain my inspirationNerina VisserMany discussed Mandela's legacy for the future.Memorials will start, bio films will debut. Our children will learn to admire him, like we did. But, will they ever get their OWN Mandela?Muna AbuSulaymanYou'd better believe I'll teach my kids and grand kids about Nelson Mandela.D(istressed)elavieOthers shared social media tributes:A #6secondtribute to South Africa's beloved #NelsonMandela. #madiba #6secondnewsVineA very South African vigil outside Nelson Mandela's hospital tonight...VineBorn 18 July 1918 in South Africa's former Cape Province, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism. In the footage below, Mandela speaks with ITN reporter Brian Widlake about the anti-apartheid movement in May 1961.First Nelson Mandela interviewharmenvogelsOriginal press clipping campaigning for the release of Madiba. Thanks @faith47. #mandela #freedom #free #nelson #makhulu #mediamakhulu_Mandela 1964 at "terrorism" trial: "We had either to accept inferiority or fight against it with violence." http://t.co/VEcQdk33WVRania KhalekBelow, Mandela speaks at a rally in Johannesburg following his release from prison in 1990.Nelson Mandela at a release rally in JohannesburgiconicIn 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. That same year, he was among those named "Person of the Year" by Time Magazine.In 1994, Mandela became the first black South African to be elected president, serving in the office until 1999 and stepping down voluntarily after one term. From Mandela's address to his countrymen at his inauguration.We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity--a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.public.wsu.edu
