Nelson Mandela in Critical Condition: Remembering His Impact

Former South African leader, Nelson Mandela, 94, took a turn for the worse, with the president’s office saying he was was in critical condition. CNN reported Monday that Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition at a Pretoria hospital where he has been hospitalized for more than two weeks. Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8th with a recurring infection of the lung. “The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well being and comfort.” President Jacob Zuma told the nation today.

Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Nelson Mandela represents everything that should be encompassed in a leader. Standing for equality, justice, and joint communication amongst opposing nations. Mandela’s stance has always been solid, never wavering from a sound rhetoric in support of his people. With a platform of peace and compassion, we have seen nothing but great actions from the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner. For Mandela’s family, these are turbulent times. Times that they will cherish and remember as the times that meant most to them.

In Johannesburg, 2002, Mandela stated:

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – 90th birthday celebration of Walter Sisulu, Walter Sisulu Hall, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa,18 May 2002

Education amongst South Africans has been Mandela’s strong subject in recent years as he has devoted much effort to the exchanging of information and the stimulation of knowledge. In 2003 he publicly proclaimed the need for education at the University of Witwatersrand(Sourth Africa) by saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

 

Well wishes and prayers from around the globe flood in for the respected leader and diplomat. On the world’s stage Mandela has been strong in is convictions and beliefs as well as the we he has conducted himself in office. Yesterday, The South African published “…we should take time to consider the great man’s words of wisdom”, citing that once a great leader always a great leader.

As this time might signal the closing of a chapter for Nelson Mandela, we need to take courage in what he has left us with. Such a great leader will be missed and remembered in many ways. Although his physical presence may be gone from this earth his impact wont. The strength of his spirit and solidarity of mind will remain in the hearts and minds of millions around the world.

 

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