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On December 5th, 2013 Nelson Mandela, the first black South African president elected in a democratic election, passed away at the age of 95 due to a reoccurring lung infection. Behind his white hair, wide smile, and wrinkles that displayed his tumultuous career, was a man that impacted the entire world with his calming presence.
Having spent 27 years in prison, Mandela was relatively unknown outside of South Africa and those fighting for his cause of dismantling the apartheid until he published his autobiography. Continuing on his journey towards easing racial and political tensions, and ceasing consequent violence, Mandela became an international icon, reconciler, charmer and ultimate symbol of forgiveness in which he interacted with leaders across the globe. He touched those that he worked with exclusively as equally powerful as he touched those he met only briefly. While South Africa’s tears pour down, those in position of power weigh in, and look ahead with fear. The world reacted consolingly to the country in which Mandela was a prisoner, a fighter, a peacemaker, a leader, and the figure of unity.
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President Barack Obama
“We lost one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth.”
Former President Bill Clinton
“We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was committed to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice.”
Buckingham Palace released a statement from Queen Elizabeth II: “The queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night. He worked tirelessly for the good of his country and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.”
South African President Jacob Zuma announced his death by saying South Africa had lost one of its “greatest sons.” He continued by saying that, “Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.”
Pope Francis paid tribute from Vatican City to “the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa.”
David Beckman displayed his admiration on his Facebook page, posting the following statement along with a picture: “We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. It was truly an honor to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people.”
Nelson Mandela affected those around the world by breaking racial and political barriers, with an unyielding will for justice. The government sanctions in place in South Africa today will hopefully serve as a timeless memory of his dedication to the dignity of the human race.
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Taylor