mandela College

‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’

Nelson Mandela was a social rights activist, politician and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first Black president from 1994 to 1999. After becoming involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s, Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1942. For 20 years, he directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies.

Beginning in 1962, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for political offences. In 1993, Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country’s apartheid system. For generations to come, Mandela will be a source of inspiration for civil rights activists worldwide.

Nelson Mandela was a communicator, he understood the problems that were occurring and expressed his ideas and thoughts in a peaceful and balanced way. He was open minded because he was open to the perspective and ideas of others whilst maintaining his own principles. Mandela was a risk taker, who took a risk in finding a way to bring the racially divided country of South Africa together and ended Apartheid. He was knowledgeable and explored ideas and issues that had a local and global significance. He was reflective, using his own experiences and own learning to implement change to improve the lives of others.

Nelson Mandela will be forever remembered for his resilience in facing adversity and his fight for freedom, equality and justice.

Mandela’s road to change was paved with enormous challenges, but he took this responsibility upon his shoulders, but he never gave up the fight.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’