10:36, 18 July 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Nelson Mandela is a name known around the world, not only for his acclaim, but for the heroism that brought freedom to so many.
But no fame for activism comes without trial - while many who were alive at the time likely remember Mandela’s incarceration, there will be many who don’t understand what he sacrificed, and experienced, to make the world the place it is today.
According to the official Nelson Mandela Foundation website, his desire to make change and create a more equal world started young, influenced by the stories of his elders, and what he learned about his ancestors’ struggles for freedom and racial equality. Born in South Africa in 1918, Mandela grew up in a world of racial segregation and discrimination, where black people were treated as second class citizens.
Part of the cadre of young people that began the Youth League of the African National Congress party, Mandela’s political affiliations started at a young age. He was, and remained, vehemently opposed to apartheid rule, and campaigned relentlessly to end racial segregation, much of which came from having a white-only government.
Going on to become a lawyer, Mandela and his partner opened the only African-owned law firm operating at the time, often helping black people who had experienced discrimination on the basis of their race.
Because of Mandela’s fight for equality, directly opposing the South African government in power at the time, he was arrested at the age of 44.
Serving 27 long years, Mandela spent time at three different prisons throughout his sentence, including one stint of 18 years at Robben Island, where he was isolated from non-political prisoners. Mandela was subjected to torment and discrimination by white guards, and forced to perform manual labour without proper equipment, causing permanent damage to his site.
Eventually, Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, after years of protest, campaigning, and increased pressure from around the world.
Just four short years after being released from his 27 year imprisonment, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa, serving from 1994-1999.
His consistent anti-apartheid stance, and fight against not only the discrimination against, but the oppression of black people in South Africa was one of the reasons for his election, and why he has remained such an incredibly influential figure.
Nelson Mandela sadly passed away in 2013, at the age of 95. Thanks to a life of dedication and service, his country, and our world, was significantly better when he left it than when he was born, and the legacy he left is a stark reminder of not only what could be, but the courage we must have to fight for equality.
After retiring from politics, Nelson Mandela turned his attention to benefiting the world in other ways - much of which took the form of philanthropy. In 1999, just after stepping down from his presidency, Mandela set up the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which still operates today.
Not only does the Nelson Mandela Foundation preserve Mandela’s memory and legacy, helping to teach people all over the world of his mission and sacrifice, but is also deeply involved within dialogue and advocacy, helping to make the world a more equal place.
Mandela Day takes place annually on 18th July all across the globe. The day, celebrated by the UN, is a reminder for all organisations, peoples, and countries to examine Mandela's principles and ideologies, as well as his courage in standing up for what he believed in.
“Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life showed how one person can transform oppression, struggle and subjugation into reconciliation, social justice and unity,” said António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations.
“Mandela believed in the power of collective, grassroots action. He knew that ordinary people could bend the arc of history, and that lasting change started not in capitals and boardrooms, but in neighbourhoods and communities.”
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Amnesty International. This global NGO is focused on upholding human rights around the world. Find out more.
Peace Direct. This international organisation supports local peacebuilders in conflict zones to stop violence and build sustainable peace. Learn more here.
Saferworld. This independent organisation has worked for over 35 years on preventing violent conflict and supporting efforts to make sure people are able to be safe in their country. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
