Transformational Leadership. Social Entrepreneurship

Apartheid, racial discrimination and slavery, ugly as they are, have been a part of human history. Yet, the human quest for justice and equality could not be quenched. That’s why we celebrate the legacy of people like Mahatma Gandhi and in recent history, Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as the South African President from 1994 to 1998. He is the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative election. Yet, his road to his presidency is not easy. It was paved with so many difficulties and controversies. Yet, in the end, he became victorious and led South Africa into a new future without apartheid and racism.

Here are some leadership lessons that we can learn from the life of Nelson Mandela.

Look for a role-model.

Even at an early age, Nelson Mandela came to admire and follow the non-violent resistance movement as practice by Mahatma Gandhi. He became an anti-apartheid activist. Nelson Mandela also attended a Wesleyan school because his mother was influenced by Methodist missionaries. His early education probably prepared him to embrace non-violent resistance.

Fight for justice and equality.

Mandela said when he was arrested by the authorities for his anti-apartheid activities:

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

By this time, he has already realized that nonviolent resistance could not go very far. That’s why he started to lead the armed wing of the African National Congress! He then waged a war against apartheid. Sure it was costly. Sure, it was against the law. But it was necessary to make people realize the importance of

Failure is not the end of the road. Study and learn even when you are in your own prison.

Failing is a lot like being in jail. You become imprisoned by a particular set of circumstances—you brought some of these on yourself but other circumstances are imposed on you.

In the case of Nelson Mandela, he was arrested by the South African government after the United States Central Intelligence Agency collaborated with them. He went to jail for a total of 27 years!

Yet, he did not stop learning. He did not stop pursuing the very objectives he dedicated his life to. He studied Bachelor of Laws through the University of London External Programme! He also became the teacher of his fellow inmates at the Robben Island prison. Both blacks and whites heard his message.

This long setback did not daunt the spirit of Mandela. Instead, it became an important part of his personal development and leadership journey!

Do what matters even after one victory.

The clamor for Mandela’s freedom came not only from within South Africa but also throughout the world. Activists and cause-oriented groups began calling for his freedom. Thankfully, after a long process of negotiation and international pressure, President Willem de Klerk announced the freedom of Nelson Mandela in February 1990. It was a big step towards reconciliation and the end of apartheid in South Africa. But the process is not complete yet.

Nelson Mandela did not renounce armed struggle right away. He said: “Our resort to the armed struggle in 1960 with the formation of the military wing of the ANC was a purely defensive action against the violence of apartheid. The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today. We have no option but to continue. We express the hope that a climate conducive to a negotiated settlement would be created soon, so that there may no longer be the need for the armed struggle.”

But at least, he was willing to go to the negotiating table so as to arrive at a deal that would be acceptable to both sides.

On May 10, 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black President of South Africa in a truly representative democratic election. Throughout his term, he facilitated national and international reconciliation from the rule of the White minority.

Use popular culture and sports to support your cause!

In working for reconciliation, Mandela saw an opportunity in using sports to unify his country. That is why he encouraged every South African, no matter what skin color they have to support Springbooks, the national rugby team of South Africa. The South African black majority previously hated the team.

In a dramatic moment in history, President Nelson Mandela presented the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy to Francois Pienaar, the White team captain. It was widely perceived as a great step towards reconciliation.

Recognition will come if you remain true to your principles and the cause you champion.

Throughout his career, Mandela did not actively seek recognition. Yet, for his efforts in national and international reconciliation, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 together with Frederik Willem de Klerk. From then on, Nelson Mandela became one of the symbols of freedom and racial reconciliation all over the world.

Don’t hold on to power desperately after your time is up.

After his term as President, Mandela stepped down and transitioned the reins of power to his successor. That also showed his commitment to democracy and freedom. In contrast to his example, Robert Mugabe, then president of Zimbabwe, held on to power at a very huge national cost. Mugabe also led his country to freedom. Yet, he also practiced corruption, incompetence and gross human rights violation! All because he wanted so much to remain in power.

Thankfully, Mandela is not like Mugabe. Instead, Mandela showed a great example that political leaders all over the world could follow—let go of the reins of power when it is time to let go.

Nelson Mandela is already a peace icon. While he is not perfect and committed a number of political mistakes and several controversies during his time in power, his legacy continues to inspire people all over the world to hold on to their principles and convictions in spite of great odds and even imprisonment!

image credit: slAfrica

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