10 Ways Nelson Mandela Changed The World

South Africa's most famous peacemaker always maintained a "people first" attitude.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Nelson Mandela. His name alone connotes an image of strength and fierce conviction. But it’s difficult to express in any simple sentiment the various ways in which this brave political leader changed the face of politics, both at home in South Africa and around the world.

On November 29, less than a week before Mandela’s passing, Idris Elba stepped into the role of the man who would eliminate apartheid in his home country in Justin Chadwick’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, an adaptation of Mandela’s 1994 autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, which the late activist wrote while he was in prison. The film was met with much praise following its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, with Variety critic Scott Foundas noting that “Idris Elba gives a towering performance, a Mandela for the ages.”

As a primer to the film’s wider release, we’re recounting the 10 Ways Nelson Mandela Changed The World.

10. Realizing the importance of courting the youth vote.

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9. Promoting nonviolent action as the preferred method of protest.

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8. Taking more drastic measures when more drastic measures were required.

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After narrowly escaping death following his acquittal in the treason trial, Mandela’s attitude toward violence began to change. In 1961, the ANC established its first military wing—Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation, MK)—with Mandela as its commander. The organization, of course, posed a threat to the ruling National Party and as such was banned under the Unlawful Organizations Act. Mandela responded by launching a bombing campaign against a series of government targets.

On July 11, 1963, Mandela was arrested for his attacks on the government and charged with more than 200 counts of “sabotage, preparing for guerrilla warfare in South Africa, and for preparing an armed invasion of South Africa.” In his opening statement, Mandela explained his shift toward violence by stating:


“At the beginning of June 1961, after a long and anxious assessment of the South African situation, I, and some colleagues, came to the conclusion that as violence in this country was inevitable, it would be unrealistic and wrong for African leaders to continue preaching peace and non-violence at a time when the government met our peaceful demands with force. This conclusion was not easily arrived at. It was only when all else had failed, when all channels of peaceful protest had been barred to us, that the decision was made to embark on violent forms of political struggle, and to form Umkhonto we Sizwe. We did so not because we desired such a course, but solely because the Government had left us with no other choice.”

Mandela’s words—as eloquent as they may have been—did little to help. He was sentenced to life in prison.

7. Standing up for one's convictions, regardless of the cost.

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6. Remaining steadfast in one's political commitment, even in confinement.

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5. Not allowing the past to remain in the past.

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4. Creating a true multiracial "Government of National Unity."

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3. Fostering a global message.

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2. Remaining an indelible force—even in retirement.

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1. Maintaining dignity above all else.

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Though the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa may be Mandela’s greatest legacy, one of his most important contributions was the dignity he maintained throughout his life—and his many political ordeals.

Following Mandela’s passing on December 5th, at the age of 95, it’s important to remember that his fight for equality was not easily won. And it’s a battle that forced him to live more than a quarter of his life in confinement. Yet Mandela never let his personal challenges—be it a divorce, health crisis, or scuffle with the law—adulterate his vision of equality. Whereas lesser, more impressionable men may have let the atrocities of a life spent in prison paint the path of their future, Mandela always put the good of the people before his personal comfort. And did it with strength, conviction, an unwavering moral compass, and great dignity.

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