Nelson Mandela the Father and the Grandfather of Africa

[Kofi]

Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest people alive. Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest people of all time. Many people have heard about this great man but not so many people know the story behind this old but powerful man from Africa. Nelson Mandela loves Africa so much and we Africans love him too because he is our father and grandfather at the same time. Nelson Mandela has sacrificed a lot for this world of ours and he continues to sacrifice even up to this day. Nelson Mandela just turned 93 but unlike most seniors I know of, Nelson Mandela continues to sacrifice the little breath left in him for the betterment of all humanity. Nelson Mandela once said "I am old and I wish I could rest and enjoy my retirement but like most of you, how can I rest in peace when people are being oppressed everyday? How can I enjoy retirement when people continue to suffer from poverty, hunger, injustice, HIV, etc.?"

Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid. Nelson Mandela fought against injustice. Nelson Mandela fought against oppression and discrimination. Because of his thirst for justice, they hunted Nelson Mandela down like an orangutan. Because of his quest for freedom and justice, they treated him like a bush baby in his own land. They sent Nelson Mandela to prison in an isolated island far far away where he spent 27 of his 93 years behind bars. The great man Nelson Mandela was reduced to just a number and the number was 46664. 46664 was Nelson Mandela's Robben Island prison number.

Nelson Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990 a free man after several demonstrations all around Africa to free Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela later on became the first black president of South Africa. from 1990 to 1999. However, unlike most African leaders I know of, power did not corrupt Nelson Mandela. In fact, Nelson Mandela decided to step down peacefully as president of South Africa just after 5 years of becoming the country's first black president. Nelson Mandela willingly decided to step down as president because of his age to allow a younger person take over the seat of the president. Nelson Mandela continues to give his support and advice to all those who have ears to hear.

This is not the complete story. This is just a tiny fraction of the entire story. Nelson Mandela's story is a story of many stories. He is a great man who loves justice more than anything else. Nelson Mandela loves peace and he continues preaching peace and love even up to this date. He is 93 years old but 93 years young. Long live Nelson Mandela the freedom fighter. Long live Nelson Mandela the man of peace and justice. Long live Nelson Mandela the father and grandfather of Africa.