He forgave, and led his nation toward democracy
Published: Friday, December 6, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 7:12 p.m.
Nelson Mandela is truly free.
Once the world's most famous inmate, Mandela was freed in 1990 after spending 27 years in prison for peacefully opposing South Africa's segregationist government.
But he continued to bear heavy burdens: the long-lasting impacts of South Africa's apartheid; the pressures of opposition politics and, eventually, the nation's presidency; and, more recently, the debilitating effects of illness and old age.
Mandela was freed from his afflictions yesterday, when he died. He was 95.
Mandela's life spanned the modernization of South Africa. Born in a small village in 1918, he was the youngest son of a counselor to the chief of the Thembu clan.
After decades of resisting apartheid, in 1994 Mandela was elected the nation's first black president -- one year after receiving a Nobel Peace Prize with then-President F.W. de Klerk.
Upon learning of Mandela's death, de Klerk said: "I think Nelson Mandela's legacy is 'don't be bitter about the past -- take the hands also of your former enemies.' Peace is the best way forward and in order to have lasting peace you need to have reconsideration ... there needs to be also forgiveness."
Mandela not only forgave; he peacefully led an entire nation toward democracy.
May his new freedom be peaceful.
This story appeared in print on page A10
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