Noble Square Nelson Mandela
Photo Caption: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”—Nelson Mandela.
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Today marks 100 years since Mandela’s birth!
How are you celebrating Mandela Day today?
Located between the V&A Hotel and CD Wherehouse in the V&A Waterfront is the Nobel Square which pays tribute to South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates. One of these laureates is Nelson Mandela. At the feet of the slightly-larger-than-life-size statue of Mandela is an engraved notable quote which reads “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will experience the oppression of one by another”.
In his younger years, Nelson Mandela led the civil resistance, helped organize strikes, protest marches, demonstrations, and encouraged people to defy discriminatory.laws. His rebellion resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment at the Rivonia trial in 1964. Despite imprisonment, he didn’t waver in his devotion to learning, democracy, and equality.
A Long Walk To Freedom
In 1993, together with Frederik Willem de Klerk, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime. And for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.
In 1994, he became South Africa’s first democratically elected president and led democracy with pride and grace. He tackled institutionalized racism and fostered racial reconciliation.
After one term as President, he stepped down in 1999 and continued his compassionate humanitarian work. And fought tirelessly for justice, peace and human understanding beyond the borders of South Africa. He continued to work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund he set up in 1995. He also established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
Nelson Mandela’s life and work truly serve as an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived.
