If I had a chance to spend a day with anyone in the world, past or present, I would choose Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, a person who has devoted his life to his nation and to the struggle for independence. Nelson Mandela is the first President to be elected under the new constitutional law of South Africa. His life experience is unique. He was born in 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, and all his life he served his country and his people. Actually, he was the first black man in South African government to hold the office, and the first candidate who was elected in a fully representative and multiracial presidential election. Nelson Mandela’s government is aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid through fighting against institutionalized racism, eliminating poverty and inequality, and promoting racial reconciliation. Although today Nelson Mandela is 95 and he is seriously ill now, he remains the famous national hero. I believe that Nelson Mandela would tell me a lot about his country, about the unique characteristics of South African political system, about its people, customs, traditions, his political struggle for freedom and independence, against the legacy of apartheid.
I know that Nelson Mandela has been an active African nationalist and democratic socialist, who served as the President of the ANC during 1991 – 1997. Besides, he was the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1998 -1999. He would be able to tell me about his political career and his strategic approach he used to achieve political success. I know that Nelson Mandela served 27 years in prison (on Robben Island, in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison). In fact, he was “one of the world’s longest detained political prisoners” (Boehmer 1). In addition, Nelson Mandela is considered to be the symbol of social justice, who has always promoted democracy in social life and morality in human relations. Politically, he was the one who led the social movement of resistance to social inequality, injustice and racism.
I consider that his story is of great importance to us today because his achievements signify the role of justice not only in South Africa, but also internationally. The events of his long life illustrate his unique leadership style, his traits of character and his abilities. As Nelson Mandela is a hero of his country, his name is well-known in South Africa. People love and respect him. Some people say that “Mandela was not only the master of his individual fate, but the chief architect of the new South Africa” (Boehmer 2). I would be grateful to Nelson Mandela for his story. For me, Nelson Mandela is not only an example of an absolutely upright man, but also an example of a courageous, firm, heroic, highly intelligent and calm man. I am looking forward to meet him in person and ask him some important questions. To tell the truth, I have thought about this for many years because I consider him to be the most extraordinary symbol of our era. His intelligent facial expression and his good-natured smile attract me. Undoubtedly, if I could spend a day with Nelson Mandela, I would be happy to do it.
Works Cited
Boehmer, Elleke. Nelson Mandela. Sterling Publishing Compan