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The World has seldom seen as humble or as dedicated a man as Nelson Mandela. His single-minded aspiration to help his people out of their suppressive role drove him when his own will power had deserted him. His victories were great, his contribution to humanity enormous, but the most likable part of Madiba (affectionate Zulu word for "old man") is the magnanimity he showed to his enemies after their attempts to subjugate his people had failed.

His example is one that shines brightly for all previously oppressed nations to follow if a peaceful, integrated nation is what they seek. In Africa his example is ignored and thought of as weakness by post-colonial leaders and instead tactics of blame and threats heave democratic process aside.

Mandela's affability among his own people, and later among all people, gained him the role of father over a nation. He could quite easily have exerted such reverence and passed law after self-aiding law to maintain his power and feed his wealth but he didn't. Unlike Idi Amin, Robert Mugabe, Mobuto Sese Seko and so many other tyrannical African leaders, Mandela accepted his role as an architect for the South African people, but not as a manipulator. He correctly saw that colonial rule had failed for the same reason African dictatorship would fail; namely, that authoritarian rule is despised by the people that it governs.

Mandela brought a new vitality to politics and showed off the spirit of "Ubuntu" and African liveliness. He wore decorative, embroidered African clothing to show his pride and spoke with a sonorous voice that only pervades the African singing culture. His political endeavors focused on enriching his people, his fellow South Africans, of all creeds and cultures, while pushing his country to the forefront of the economical stage. Foreign investment was encouraged, where it had previously been sanctioned, and it only took half an invitation for the world to see South Africa's potential.

Thanks to a positive foreign policy and a new multicultural appeal, South Africa quickly became the hot-spot for tourism. Mandela was a large proponent of this, encouraging cultural emphasis with world-class service to make unforgettable experiences.

Mandela was instrumental in bringing the Truth & Reconciliation Council to fruition to hear the grievances and accept the apologies of victims and oppressors during the Independence movement. This allowed matters to be concluded by arbitration without human rights trials or expulsions that would've torn the social fabric of South Africa. Again Mandela's apathy, where it was not expected, played a big part in healing the wounds of South Africa.

Mandela's fatherly figure will be sweetly held in the mind of future generations and reincarnated, not by statues or figurines, but, by a peace loving optimism pandemic of the society.

Learn more about this author, Uhuru Uhlanya.
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