Legions of people have struggled for freedom over the ages, but only a handful of them have kept their faith in the goodness of the human spirit 鈥� Nelson Mandela was one of these.
When Mandela died on Thursday, South Africa lost the father of its young democracy. South Africans 鈥� and all of us 鈥� still have the inspiration of his life.
Mandela dedicated that life to freeing the blacks of his country from one of the world鈥檚 most repressive regimes, a struggle that turned many of his people to violence and bitterness. Despite the horrors of apartheid and his own 27 years in prison, Mandela resisted the pull toward hatred.
The racist apartheid system could have been swept away on a tide of blood, but thanks to Mandela鈥檚 example, it was negotiated out of existence.
Trained as a lawyer, Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1944 and led campaigns of civil disobedience. He and others were charged with treason in 1956, but the charges were dropped. That was only a reprieve because in 1964 he was convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life in prison.
The apartheid regime made it illegal to quote him or write about him, but as the years passed, he became a more powerful symbol of the battle for freedom. sa国际传媒 and other nations enforced economic boycotts and pressured the South African government for reform.
Finally, National Party leader F.W. de Klerk began to pull apart the odious system, and in 1990, released Mandela from prison. In 1994, the former prisoner became the first black president of South Africa.
For their work in guiding a bloodless transition to democracy, something that had long seemed an impossible dream, Mandela and de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The years that followed freedom could have descended into a maelstrom of revenge, but Mandela鈥檚 vision of peace triumphed over the appeal of anger.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday that 鈥渄espite his long years of captivity, Mr. Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores. Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples.鈥�
He created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the first of its kind and a model for other nations striving to come to terms with a history of injustice 鈥� sa国际传媒 among them. Few nations have had such a peaceful birth, and it sparked hopes of a bright future.
Much of that early promise has yet to be realized. Although war between blacks and whites did not erupt, the country faces many troubles. Among the generation of blacks who have grown up since Mandela鈥檚 release, half of those who want a job can鈥檛 find one. The official unemployment rate is 25 per cent, but the real rate is certainly higher. The country ranks 132nd out of 144 countries in primary education. Corruption is widespread.
Harsh as that reality is, however, South Africa has a solid constitution, a working electoral system, a true parliament and independent courts. And Mandela鈥檚 example of tolerance and inclusiveness.
South Africans of all races must continue to follow his example. It will be hard amid the dispiriting grind of daily life in a country beset with challenges.
But it was hard, too, for Mandela, as he saw his people imprisoned, tortured and killed, and as he endured almost three decades behind bars.
Yet he held fast to his desire for peace. Those who follow him as South Africa鈥檚 leaders can do the same.
鈥淎 good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination,鈥� Mandela said.
He showed the world just how formidable they can be.
