Nelson Mandela- A Leader and an Inspiration

Facts about Nelson Mandela

• Born on the 18^th of July, 1918.
• He spent 27 years behind bars as a political prisoner.
• He was an anti-Apartheid activist.
• On February the 11^th, 1990, the South African government released him from prison.
• He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993.
• He was President of South Africa for just over 5 years and was instrumental in South Africa winning the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup.
• He died on the 5^th of December, 2013, aged 95, but his legacy will live on forever.

 Key Characteristics that Nelson Mandela Had

• Tolerant- He didn’t judge anyone who had a different opinion or belief to that of his.
• Visionary- He always planned for the future using wisdom and imagination. He envisaged a South Africa where everyone had equal rights.
• Leader- He was President of South Africa from the 10^th of May 1994 to the 14^th of June 1999.
• Brought hope, unity and peace- He inspired the Captain of the 1995 South African Rugby Union team; Francois Pienaar. Nelson Mandela used sport to unify South Africa!

 Quote Pertaining to Sport

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

Nelson Mandela realised that sport brings people together and he did everything in his power to make sport a pivotal part of South African society.

8 Lessons of Nelson Mandela’s Leadership

1- “Courage is not the absence of fear- it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.”
2- “Lead from the front- but don’t leave your base behind.”
3- “Lead from the back- and let others believe they are in the front.”
4- “Know your enemy- and learn about his favourite sport.”
5- “Keep your friends close- and your rivals even closer.”
6- “Appearances matter- and remember to smile.”
7- “Nothing is black or white.”
8- “Quitting is leading too.”