Nelson Mandela

The 5th of December 2013 was a devastating day for South Africans because it was the day when their devoted leader, the first black president Nelson Mandela, passed away. Thousands of people from all over the world gathered in Johannesburg and Soweto to say farewell to their leader who had spent decades campaigning for equal rights and fighting against apartheid. When he died, leaders from all over the world praised Mandela with their words. South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma made a speech on TV and said, “Our nation has lost its greatest son.” US President Barack Obama said, “He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today, he has gone home.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called him “a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration.” He added: “Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and for each one of us if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity.” British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. A great light has gone out in the world.”

Loved and admired Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela has been a role-model for many people and there are many things to say about him. However, there are also some interesting facts about him that most people probably do not know. For example, do you know where his name comes from? His birth name was Rolihlahla which means pulling the branch of a tree or troublemaker. The name “Nelson” was given to him by his teacher just like “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk”on his first day of elementary school. Although he was a world leader, Mandela had acted in the film “Malcolm X” as a teacher. We are used to naming streets after people but have you ever heard of an animal named after a politician? In 2012, scientists named a prehistoric woodpecker after Mandela. Which sport was his favourite do you think? Football? Basketball? Neither of these. Interestingly, his passion was boxing. Also because of his militant fight against apartheid, he was on the US terror watch list until 2008. Last but not least, he was inspired by one of William Ernest Henley’s poems which he read when he was in prison. The poem was about never giving up and his favourite part was “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” Do you remember these lines from the movie “Invictus?”

Adapted from: http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com and http://edition.cnn.com