Nelson Mandela`s freedom

For South Africans today is quite memorable in our history, as Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years.

At this time Mandela was the vice-president of the African National Congress (ANC), a year later he became president of the party and three years after that he became president of our country.

In June 1964 he was convicted of treason and sabotage, sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island.

Even after being released he never advocated racism, he never cast blame. Instead he focused of moving forward, changing the social structure in South Africa.

For me Mandela is an inspiration. He fought for what he  believed in, he kept fighting and even after experiencing decades of discrimination and cruelty he came out on top. Humble, determined and accepting.

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”