HEIDI BURSTEIN

The Young Mandela

As a young man in his prime, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was handsome, strikingly tall and strong. He was clever and proud, yet simultaneously introverted and humble. Growing up in Qunu, doing duty as a herd boy under the watchful eyes of the Xhosa women, he developed a love for open spaces. 

His education took him to Fort Hare, and he eventually went to Johannesburg to make his mark. It was there that he met, and fell in love with his first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase. The marriage fell apart when he became involved in the ANC, and met his second wife, Winnie Madikizela.

The Struggle Years

Nelson Mandela saw first hand, the grinding evils of Apartheid, as he and Walter Sisulu plied their trade as lawyers in the Johannesburg of the 1950s. It was these experiences that lit a flame in him, and drove him to fight for freedom. 

In this piece, I seek to capture the oppression, cruelty, pain and suffering he had to endure during this stage of his life, as well as his steely will, and his determination to stand up to the Apartheid Government.

The Incarceration Years

For 27 years, Nelson Mandela was left to age in a series of prisons, kept out of sight by the Apartheid Government, Mandela nevertheless became a rallying point for struggle activists, and indeed, the world. 

He was imprisoned as a young man, subjected to untold hardships and humiliations, and forced to do hard labour in the limestone pits of Robben Island. His time in prison did not break him; instead, it tempered his anger, and brought him to the understanding that forgiveness would bring reconciliation and tip the scales of justice.

The Statesmen Years

This piece depicts Madiba’s release from prison, and his role as a leader, and father to a fractious toddler of a nation. It highlights the importance he placed on reconciliation, education and unity through sport. It also explores Mandela’s love – both for his children and grandchildren, and the woman who stole his heart for the last time - Graca Machel.

The Peace Years

I hope that the final piece brings a sometimes tragic, but entirely inspiring life full circle. I wanted to capture the sense of peace Nelson Mandela found when he finally withdrew from public life, with his famous “Don’t call me, I will call you” quip. Madiba never stopped working for the love of his people. The children of a new nation that he helped birth will be forever grateful for his lessons and guidance.

Motivation

Nelson Mandela spoke the language of humanity. He taught a fractured nation how to care for each other, and look past the divisions that 400 years of Colonialism and Apartheid had entrenched. 

He displayed qualities that I strive for in my own life. He taught us that courage means facing our fears, standing steadfast in our vision, and seeking to serve humanity in all that we do. 

He displayed kindness, and a willingness to forgive human flaws, preached and practiced forgiveness and reconciliation, and helped heal a people bruised by years of war. 

Mandela was able to strip away the blindfold of the ego, letting the light of knowledge and the true meaning of life shine through.