Nelson Mandela’s Day is tomorrow

Jul 17, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Scores of organisations throughout the world have issued statements in honour of Nelson Mandela Day, which is observed on Thursday July 18. Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on July 18, Mandela’s birthday. The United Nations unanimously decided to name July 18 Nelson Mandela Day.
Like Mahatma Gandhi who devoted his life to his country, India, NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA made tremendous sacrifice to end apartheid in South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years and was released by the white minority President F.W. de Klerk, in 1990 because of international and local pressure, which resulted in a multiracial general election four years later in which Mandela led his ANC party to victory.
Mandela would have been 101 on July 18, 2019 but died in December 2013, at the age of 95. He was the first black President and his government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid. He was a controversial figure and was branded a communist but be was an icon of democracy and social justice and received more than 250 local and international awards including the Nobel Peace Prize. After he refused a second presidential term in 1999, he became an elderly statesman and focused on combating poverty and HIV/AIDS. He was an exceptionally intelligent, shrewd and loyal leader, a great orator with charm and humor. He was fond of Indian cuisine. Married three times, fathered six children and had 17 grandchildren, and at least 17 great grandchildren. He refused to smoke or drink, but his biographer said he was “easily tempted by women”. He married his third wife on his 80th birthday…

Oscar Ramjeet

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