What Were Nelson Mandela’s Greatest Achievements?
He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 alongside South African President, F.W. de Klerk for having led the transition in South Africa from apartheid to a multiracial democracy. Through this achievement alone, Nelson Mandela changed the face of modern history as we know it, making him South Africa’s best known leader and politician. He was passionate, dedicated, and constant, achieving great things such as the securing of universal suffrage in South Africa. If you wish to know more about the legacy of one of the greatest historical figures of all time, read on.
Nelson Mandela Helped Form the ANC Youth League
In the year 1943, after fleeing from an arranged marriage and being expelled from his University for protesting against poor dormitory conditions, Nelson Mandela joined the ANC Youth League. There, he fought against apartheid laws and and forced the resignation of moderate ANC members who did not support his vision. As President of the ANC Youth League, he called for radical means to protest—including strikes and boycotts, which would weaken the apartheid regime. In 1952, he attracted a crowd of over 10,0000 at a peaceful protest in Durban. His public speaking skills and charisma drew crowds who were keen to listen to his voice. As a result, he was placed in prison for nine months under the Suppression of Communism Act.
Avenging Human Rights Violations and Embracing Reconciliation
Nelson Mandela’s impact in the area of human rights was immeasurable. One of his most important moves was to create the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights violations and provided the framework to address these atrocities. Mandela sought justice for those affected but also saw reconciliation as the way forward. In 1994, he spoke of the importance of coexistence and healing. He believed that the horror of the past should not influence future policy.
Bringing an End to White Minority Rule
Just nine days before Mandela was released from prison (he had been accused of ‘conspiring to overthrow the state), de Klerk announced that bans on all political parties would be removed, including that of the ANC. It is well known that this announcement was negotiated by Mandela. In 1991, now a free man, he was elected president of the ANC, whom he praised for electing a truly diverse team to the national executive council.
A Man of Firsts
Nelson Mandela was a true groundbreaker in many ways. He established the first black law firm in South Africa (Mandela and Tambo) in 1953, taking on cases involving human rights abuses and those involving the excessive use of force. He also enabled the first multiracial election to be held, granting black South Africans the right to cast their vote for the first time in the history of South Africa. Mandela was additionally the first black president of South Africa and throughout his tenure, he advocated for tolerance and reconciliation as the way forward. He assured white South Africans that they would be justly represented in the political, social, and economic canvas of the new “rainbow nation.” Finally, he created a wide array of reforms that protected labor tenants and brought foreign investments into his country. He also established and supported a large number of charities.
Nelson Mandela is truly a ‘one in a million’ historical figure; one who achieved many firsts, as well as much-needed law reform. His full potential was curtailed by his long (27-year) imprisonment. In jail, he was confined to a small cell without a bed or plumbing and was forced to complete hard labor in a quarry. However, he would never lose sight of the ‘rainbow nation’ he dreamed of; one that was characterized by peaceful coexistence, healing, and economic success.