Mandela leaves behind legacy of vision, heart

Nelson Mandela, called “Madiba,” his clan name, by those who knew and loved him, earned his place as a colossal figure in modern history.  His life and legacy testify to the power of the unshackled human spirit.

In his last public appearance, the anti-apartheid revolutionary, former President of the Republic of South Africa, and international statesman proclaimed:

“I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries. The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.”

Mandela understood that nobody does it alone, and that no one goes through life unscathed by failure and misfortune. Despite his wishes to the contrary, this heroic, principled man will be remembered as both unique and special — and deservedly so.

Mandela’s tenacity, humility, and compassion shone brightly, even in the darkest days. So, too, did his love of South Africa, despite the abuses it heaped upon him and
his people.

Mandela’s vision allowed him to see beyond what was to what might be. That same vision revealed a foundational truth for the new South Africa: What might be cannot be in the absence of acknowledgement, atonement, forgiveness, and, ultimately, reconciliation.

Mandela’s epic activism, suffering, imprisonment, and transcendence dazzled the world. His election in 1994 as the first black president of the democratic republic of South Africa signaled new days and new possibilities ahead, not just for South Africa, but for all of us.

Following his meteoric, post-incarceration rise to national leadership, Mandela ceded his power almost as quickly as he had gained it, serving only one term as president. It was never about dominion and control, but rather about people.

Given the contentiousness and vitriol characteristic of modern American politics, Mandela’s example illuminates an alternative path: patriotism without partisanship; adversaries without enemies; differences without division. We have much to learn from his journey.

Mandela is and always will be a towering inspiration, a role model for the ages, and a one-of-a-kind servant-leader. He will be sorely missed.