Nelson Mandela (Essay Sample)

Nelson Mandela
Jeremiah Presley
Academic Experts Application Sample
2nd September, 2013
Nelson Mandela
When you think of the most famous people in the world Nelson Mandela is one of the names that come up. In my opinion being famous as a person depicts love, honesty, dedication and peace in everything you do for the whole world to appreciate. Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela has shown all these characteristics as he is recognized as a major inspirational and political figure all over world. Born in 18 July 1918, he rose to become a leading lawyer and politician as well as a role model to masses of people all around the world.
A member Xhosa’s Thembu royal family, Nelson Mandela became a household name among the South African community due to the vast intelligence and knowledge he had. He went on to study law and was among the first African lawyers in the country at that time. According to Magoon (2008), he was also among the founders of the Youth League which he formed right after he joined ANC. He therefore joined the anti-colonial campaigns and was repeatedly arrested for his direct approach on racial oppression and his philosophy of equality among all races. His vibrant character gained him popularity and fame among the black people not only in South Africa but also all over Africa.
Nelson Mandela however got arrested and prosecuted for treason from 1956 to 1961 but found not guilty. He later got arrested again in 1962 for sabotage. Mandela was controversially sentenced to prison for life, though he was released 27 years later. This sentence seemed rather harsh and it drew attention from all over the world (Mandela & Clark, 1993). The sentence is considered by many as the main reason Nelson Mandela became famous as the world protested and pressured the existing apartheid government to release him. The United Nations(UN) also came in and placed sanctions on the government effectively forcing Nelson Mandela’s releasein 1990. This release was greeted with celebrations of hope among the oppressed Africans making Nelson Mandela famous as a national hero among the South Africans and the world (Brown, & Hort, 2006).
Nelson Mandela is also famous for preaching peace, love and unity among the South Africans as well as the world. He urged the oppressed Africans and other minority races in the South Africa to forgive the apartheid government and support his philosophy of peace, love and unity as the crucial pillars of a successful government. This noble display of maturity was met with critical acclaim by the other leaders all over the world.A Nobelpeace prize was deservedly awarded to the intelligent and inspirational Nelson Mandela for his actions in 1993. His other honors included the Soviet Order of Lenin and the United States Presidential Medal Of Freedom (Degnan-Veness, 2001). This boosted Nelson Mandela’s recognition all over the world as well as the need for a black president in South Africa which would end the Apartheid rule.
Nelson Mandela was elected as the first president in South Africa elected through a fair democratic system. He was crucial in uniting a nation torn by racial and tribal disputes which he did expertly. His government saw South Africa develop r...