LEARNING FROM LEADERS

LEARNING FROM LEADERS Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are examples of great leaders in History. Both men are respected worldwide as good leaders. Mandela and Gandhi contributed to the fight for democracy and human rights. Nelson Mandela Fact sheet Born: 18 July 1918, in Transkei, South Africa. Best known for: First black democratically elected President in South Africa. Protesting against the apartheid government. Serving 27 years in prison. Nelson Mandela Attribution Share-Alike: South Africa, The Good News Nelson Mandela was a civil rights leader in South Africa. A civil rights leader is someone who fights for the freedom and equality of people. Mandela fought so that non-white citizens in South Africa had equal rights. He disagreed with the apartheid system, which forced white and non-white (black, coloured and Asian people) to live in separate areas. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 1

White and non-whites had to use separate facilities, for example, a black person had to use a separate toilet, or go to a black-only school. During apartheid, white people and black people could not marry. National sports teams were either all white or all black, they were not allowed to mix. There were also separate churches and cinemas, as well as separate entrances in shops. Sign For Use by White Persons Bench for Non-Whites Only Attribution Share-Alike: KNewman1 Sign on Durban Beach Attribution Share-Alike: Guinnog Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 2

Early Life Nelson Mandela was born into the Xhosa tribe called the Thembu tribe. He was born in a village called Mvezo in the Eastern Cape. His father was a Chief and an advisor to the Thembu royal family. Nelson Mandela attended a Christian Mission School. His father died when he was only 9 years old, so he went to live with his father s friend, Chief Jogintaba in a nearby village. His mother still came to visit him and he became best friends with Uncle Jongi s son, Justice. He was sent to Clarkebury Boarding Institute when he was 16, and then 3 years later went on to complete high school at Justice, which was the largest school for Africans in the country. When he was 21, Nelson Mandela attended Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape. There he met Oliver Tambo, who would later become part of the struggle. Nelson and Justice moved to Johannesburg, which was known as Egoli or the place of gold. He lived in the Alexandra township where the houses had no electricity or water supply. Justice eventually returned to the Eastern Cape. In 1942, Nelson qualified in law from the University of Witwatersrand. The ANC Nelson Mandela became close friends with Walter Sisulu, who was a member of the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC wanted to challenge the apartheid government and create a democratic South Africa. He met his first wife, Evelyn Mase and had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Sadly one of his daughters died and he split up with Evelyn. In 1944, Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu formed the ANC Youth League and encouraged thousands of young black people to join. In 1948, the National Party came to power and started to enforce the laws of apartheid. In 1952, the ANC started the Defiance Campaign to encourage black people to ignore the Whites Only entrances. The following of the ANC grew and grew, and became stronger. Nelson became Deputy Minister of the ANC in 1952. The government banned Nelson Mandela from attending ANC meetings or protesting against apartheid, but he continued in secret. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 3

In 1952, Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo set up the first black law firm in South Africa. Many Indian, Coloured and White people did not agree with apartheid and these groups joined together to form the Congress Alliance. In 1955, the ANC and the Congress Alliance drew up the Freedom Charter, which was a promise to fight for freedom and democracy, for all South Africans. The Freedom Charter We the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black or white.... Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo were arrested and charged with planning to destroy the government. The trial lasted 4 years, but they were found not guilty. Nelson Mandela married Winnie in 1958 and they had two daughters. After the Sharpville shooting in 1960, where 69 people were shot by police and 400 injured, while peacefully marching against carrying passbooks, the ANC was banned. Nelson Mandela went abroad to ask other countries to help fight against apartheid. The ANC formed an army called Umkhonto We Sizwe or Spear of the Nation. Imprisonment When he returned to South Africa, Nelson went into hiding but was caught and arrested in 1962. He was sent to prison for 5 years. During this time, he had to stand trial again for planning to overthrow the government. In his trial, Nelson said: I have cherished the idea of a democracy in which all persons live together in harmony. It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 4

In 1964 he was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town. He had a tiny cell with a bucket for a toilet and had to sleep on the floor. He was allowed only 2 letters and 2 visitors a year and no other contact with the outside world. During this time, his mother and his eldest son died. Entrance to Robben Island Attribution Share-Alike: Joachim Huber Although the ANC was still banned in South Africa, many people all over the world fought for Nelson Mandela to be released. Many governments supported this cause. In the 1980s a campaign called Release Mandela was started. Free Nelson Mandela Protest in Germany Attribution Share-Alike: Crisco 1492 In 1982, Nelson Mandela and some of the other prisoners were moved to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 5

In 1988, he was moved again to a prison called Victor Verster and was given a cottage to live in, rather than a cell. Nelson Mandela started talks with the government and he met President F.W. De Klerk in 1989. They discussed a new democratic South Africa. F.W. De Klerk Release from Prison and Presidency Eventually, Mandela was released on 11 th February 1990, after serving 27 years in prison. He was reunited with his family at last. In 1991, he became the leader of the ANC. In 1993, Mandela was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. De Klerk. F.W. De Klerk and Nelson Mandela Attribution Share-Alike: World Economic Forum Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 6

In 1994, the first democratic elections were held and Nelson Mandela was voted as President by millions of people. He was 75 years old! During his time as President (from 1994 to 1999), he helped the country s transition from minority rule to majority rule. The Reconstruction and Development (RDP) created jobs, built houses and improved health care for black people. In 1996, Nelson and Winnie were divorced. In 1997, Nelson Mandela stepped down as ANC leader. He married his third wife, Graca Machel in 1998. In 1998, Nelson Mandela s presidency of South Africa came to an end and in 2004 he announced his retirement from public life. He has supported many charities, through the Mandela Foundation. His last public appearance was in 2010. Mandela is a hero to people all over the world. He is respected for his courage, wisdom and is devoted to his country. On the 5 th December 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away, aged 95. The whole world mourned the loss of this incredible man. Fun Facts Nelson Mandela s real name is Rolihlahla (which means trouble-maker ). He was given the name Nelson by one of his teachers. July 18 th is Nelson Mandela Day. People are asked to devote 67 minutes to helping other people. The 67 minutes represents the 67 years Mandela spent serving his country. Mandela received the Noble Peace Prize in 1993. A statue of Nelson Mandela stands in Parliament Square, London. Mandela wrote a book about his struggle called Long Walk to Freedom. This also became a film in 2013. Nelson Mandela Statue in Parliament Square, London Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 7

Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi Fact sheet Born:October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India Best known for: Non-violent protests Civil rights leader Mohandas K. Gandhi Mohandas Gandhi was India s most important spiritual and political Hindu leader. He believed in non-violent protests and promoted human rights. Gandhi is an icon of world peace. Gandhi is often referred to as the Father of the Nation in India, as his non-violent protests freed the Indian people from British rule. Mohandas K. Gandhi with British Secretary of State for India Indian Servant Washes the Feet of British Master Many other civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela were inspired by Gandhi s beliefs and actions. Martin Luther King Jr Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 8

Early Life Gandhi grew up with the belief that people should take care of each other, religious tolerance and compassion for all. At 13, he married a girl called Kasturbhai. The marriage had been arranged by their parents. They had 4 children. When he was 19 years old, he went to London to study Law. He returned to India to practise as a lawyer, but was not allowed to under the British rule. Gandhi then accepted a job in South Africa in 1893. In South Africa, Gandhi faced discrimination and hardship due to the apartheid system. He experienced racial prejudice against Indian people. This made him want to fight for equality and freedom for Indian people. He spent 20 years in South Africa and was put in prison many times. Gandhi developed a method of action called Satyagraha. This was based on the principles of truth, courage and non-violence. He believed that the way people behave is more important than what they achieve. Mohandas K. Gandhi and his Wife Kasturbhai Mohandas K. Gandhi Gandhi with his Colleagues in Front of his Law Office in Johannesburg Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 9

Leader of a Movement Gandhi returned to India in 1915 to fight for justice and peace. Gandhi led the fight for Indian independence from British rule. Within 15 years he became the leader of the Nationalist Movement. He organised non-violent protests, for example large groups of the Indian population would sit in the streets, refuse to work, go on hunger strikes and boycott British goods, public transport, courts etc. The aim of the protests was to make the world realise what was happening in India. When the Indian population refused to work, it made the country come to a standstill, so the government had to take notice. Gandhi even walked across India to encourage people not to co-operate with the British. Protest March Organised by Gandhi Gandhi During the Zulu Rebellion 1906 Gandhi as he led the Striking Indian Mineworkers Gandhi During the Salt March in India Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 10

Gandhi was imprisoned many times and spent a total of 7 years in prison. In prison, Gandhi would go on a hunger strike (not eat food). In 1922, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison. The British government was worried that this well-loved man would die, so they released him after 2 years. Gandhi s fame spread all over the nation. He withdrew from politics for a while and spent time trying to improve relationships between Hindus and Muslims. In 1930, he started a new campaign, protesting against the tax on salt. He led thousands of people on a March to the Sea, where they made salt from the seawater. In 1931, Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress at the Conference in London. He resigned from the Congress in 1934. When he was 78, Gandhi started a fast, as a protest against rioting between Hindus and Muslims. This was caused by India being granted independence from British in 1947. Gandhi believed that Indian, Muslims and Hindus should be united and live together in peace. After 5 days of Gandhi s fast, the Hindu and Muslim leaders promised to put an end to the fighting, so Gandhi broke his fast. 12 days later, on 30 th January 1948, Gandhi was shot dead by a terrorist at a prayer meeting in Delhi. Two years later, India became an independent republic. Gathering at Red Fort in Delhi, India First Independence, 1947 Independence Day Celebration at Red Fort in Delhi, India, 2007 Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 11

Fun Facts Gandhi s birthday is a national holiday in India. His birthday is celebrated worldwide as International Day of Non-Violence. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. Mahatma is a term that means Great Soul. Other Famous Leaders in South Africa Leaderin the Arts Example Miriam Makeba Famous For Miriam Makeba was a local musician who, through her music, helped raise support and awareness about the antiapartheid movement. Religious Leader Miriam Makeba Attribution Share-Alike: Roland Godefroy Archbishop Desmond Tutu Archbishop Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu is a religious and spiritual leader. He helped fight the apartheid system, by asking the Christian community to be involved in non-violent movements. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC), which was set up after 1994, to investigate human rights abuses that occurred during apartheid. Desmond Tutu leads with compassion, understanding and wisdom. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 12

Leader in Science and Maths Example Christiaan Barnard Famous For Chris Barnard was the first person to transplant a heart from one human to another. Chris Barnard was committed to helping others. Sporting Leaders Christiaan Barnard Attribution Share-Alike: Eric Koch /Anefo Francois Pienaar Springbok Rugby Team Attribution Share-Alike: Jamin Francois Pienaar was the South African rugby captain in 1995. During apartheid, South Africa was excluded from playing international games. After the democratic elections in 1994, South Africa was included in international sporting events. In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. Francois Pienaar was devoted to his country and worked with his team to win the World Cup. Version 1: September 2013 Copyright My Cyberwall 13