Nelson Mandela: The man who changed the world

Summary

The script narrates the transformative journey of Nelson Mandela, from a young, hot-headed activist to a global icon of forgiveness and unity. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela emerged with a vision for a democratic South Africa, leading the nation towards its first non-racial elections. His charismatic leadership, epitomized by his radiant smile, bridged racial divides and healed the wounds of apartheid. The script highlights Mandela's resilience, his role in the anti-apartheid movement, and his ultimate ascension to presidency, fostering a legacy of reconciliation and hope.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nelson Mandela was known for his disarming smile and ability to heal the wounds of apartheid in South Africa.
• 🌉 He became a symbol of unity, acting as a 'bridge' between blacks and whites who were divided by the apartheid regime.
• 🕊 Mandela spoke about forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of these values in healing a nation.
• 🏛 Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a fellow anti-apartheid activist, highlighted the enormous debt owed to Mandela for his contributions.
• 🔒 Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most of it on Robben Island, under harsh conditions that were intended to break his spirit.
• 💪 Despite the adversities, Mandela's time in prison helped him mature and emerge as a stronger, more resilient leader.
• 🔨 Apartheid, which became law in 1948, imposed severe racial segregation and discrimination against non-white South Africans.
• 🛡 Mandela was part of the African National Congress (ANC) and later founded its armed wing after peaceful protests failed to bring change.
• 🎖 He was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the ANC, but his global influence grew, leading to international calls for his release.
• 🎉 Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990, marking a historic moment and a massive celebration in South Africa.
• 🗳 In 1994, South Africa held its first non-racial elections, and Mandela was elected as the president, symbolizing a new era of unity.
• 🏆 Mandela's presidency was marked by his ability to bring together people of different races, as exemplified by the 1995 Rugby World Cup victory.
• 🏅 He received a Nobel Prize and became a respected statesman and world leader, despite the personal sacrifices he made for his country.

Q & A

What was Nelson Mandela's demeanor like despite the adversities he faced?

Nelson Mandela hid any anger or bitterness well behind his famous smile, which was disarming even to his enemies.

What role did Nelson Mandela play in healing the racial divide in South Africa?

Nelson Mandela became the healer of wounds in South Africa, acting as a bridge across the chasm between blacks and whites divided by apartheid.

Who is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and what is his connection to Nelson Mandela?

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, like Mandela, and he spoke about forgiveness and reconciliation, acknowledging the enormous debt owed to Mandela.

How did Nelson Mandela's time in prison affect his character?

Nelson Mandela's time in prison, particularly the 27 years spent on Robben Island, helped him mature and burn away his earlier hot-headed and self-involved tendencies.

What was the condition like in Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned?

Robben Island had grim conditions, with difficult physical labor at the quarry causing bleeding hands and blisters for the prisoners, including Mandela.

What was the Sharpeville massacre and how did it impact Nelson Mandela?

The Sharpeville massacre in March 1960 involved South African police firing on demonstrators, killing 69 people. This event led Mandela to advocate for more than just peaceful protests, founding the armed wing of the ANC.

How did Nelson Mandela's trial and speech reflect his beliefs?

During his trial for sabotage and conspiracy, Mandela delivered a defiant four and a half hour speech, expressing his commitment to the ideal of a democratic and free society, for which he was prepared to die or be imprisoned for life.

What was the international response to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment?

There was intense international pressure to end apartheid and free Nelson Mandela, including a star-studded rock concert in London for his 70th birthday watched by millions worldwide.

On what date was Nelson Mandela released from prison?

Nelson Mandela was released from prison on February 11th, 1990.

How did Nelson Mandela's presidency impact South Africa's racial dynamics?

Mandela's presidency marked a significant shift, as he helped bring about South Africa's first non-racial elections in 1994, where white and black South Africans stood together in line to vote.

What was the significance of Nelson Mandela wearing the green jersey after the 1995 Rugby World Cup final?

Wearing the green jersey, a symbol of the sport traditionally associated with white South Africans, signified Mandela's ability to unite the country behind a common goal, thus crowning him as a king by white South Africa.

What personal sacrifices did Nelson Mandela make for his country?

Nelson Mandela made significant personal sacrifices, including the end of his marriage to Winnie and being absent from his children's lives for 27 years.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Nelson Mandela: The Healer and Bridge-Builder

This paragraph delves into Nelson Mandela's journey from a prisoner to a unifying figure in South Africa. Despite the harsh conditions he faced during his 27-year imprisonment, particularly on Robben Island, Mandela emerged with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. His famous smile and message of unity played a pivotal role in healing the racial divide left by apartheid. The paragraph also highlights the transformation Mandela underwent in prison, moving from a hot-headed young man to a mature leader. It discusses his role in the African National Congress (ANC), the armed resistance he initiated, and his subsequent arrest and trial for sabotage and conspiracy. Mandela's release from prison in 1990 and the subsequent first non-racial elections in 1994, where he became president, are also covered, illustrating his profound impact on South Africa's transition to democracy.

05:06

🎉 Nelson Mandela's Release and Legacy

The second paragraph focuses on the international pressure that led to Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the celebrations that followed. It recounts the global efforts to end apartheid and the rock concert held in his honor, which was watched by millions worldwide. The paragraph describes the moment Mandela walked free on February 11, 1990, and the overwhelming joy that erupted in South Africa, especially in Soweto, the black township he hadn't seen for 27 years. The narrative continues with Mandela's election as president in 1994 and the symbolic moment when South Africa won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, uniting the nation under Mandela's leadership. The paragraph concludes by reflecting on Mandela's personal sacrifices, including his strained relationship with his family, and his later life, where he made efforts to reconnect with his children and enjoy his time surrounded by loved ones.

Keywords

💡Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. The video script highlights his role as a healer and reconciler in post-apartheid South Africa, his famous smile that disarmed even his enemies, and his significant contribution to bridging the racial divide.

💡Apartheid

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that existed from 1948 until the early 1990s. It was characterized by the National Party's policy which dictated where people of different races could live, work, and even travel. The script refers to apartheid as the chasm that divided South Africa's black and white populations, which Mandela worked to bridge through reconciliation and forgiveness.

💡Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the process of restoring a harmonious relationship after a period of conflict or disagreement. In the context of the video, Mandela's emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation is highlighted as a key part of his legacy. He sought to unite South Africa's racially divided society by promoting understanding and healing between blacks and whites.

💡Robben Island

Robben Island is a small island in Table Bay, South Africa, and was used as a prison for high-profile political prisoners during the apartheid era. Nelson Mandela spent a significant portion of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island, as mentioned in the script. His time there is depicted as a period of personal growth and transformation that contributed to the mature leader he became after his release.

💡African National Congress (ANC)

The African National Congress (ANC) is a South African political party that has been the governing party of South Africa since the end of apartheid. The script mentions the ANC in relation to Nelson Mandela, who was a rising star in the organization before his imprisonment. The ANC initially advocated for peaceful protests against apartheid but later, under Mandela's influence, formed an armed wing to fight against the oppressive regime.

💡Sharpeville Massacre

The Sharpeville Massacre refers to a tragic event in 1960 when South African police opened fire on a group of unarmed demonstrators protesting against pass laws, killing 69 people. The script describes this incident as a turning point for Nelson Mandela and the ANC, leading them to question the effectiveness of peaceful protests and ultimately adopting a more militant approach to fight apartheid.

💡International Pressure

International pressure refers to the global diplomatic and economic actions taken to influence a country's policies or behavior. The script notes the significant international pressure that was applied to South Africa to end apartheid and release Nelson Mandela. This included rock concerts in his honor, economic sanctions, and a general global outcry against the South African government's policies.

💡Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is an international rugby union competition, which in the context of the video, is highlighted by the 1995 event where South Africa won against New Zealand. The script describes this moment as a significant unifying event for South Africa, with Mandela, wearing the traditionally white-associated green jersey, symbolizing unity and the breaking down of racial barriers.

💡Invictus

Invictus refers to both a book by journalist John Carlin and the subsequent movie adaptation, which tells the story of how Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa. The script mentions the movie as an example of Mandela's ability to bring people together across racial lines, showcasing his statesmanship and leadership.

💡Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the context of the video refers to the personal costs Mandela endured for the greater good of his country. The script mentions that Mandela's commitment to his country came at the expense of his personal life, including the end of his marriage to Winnie and the limited time he had with his own children. His willingness to make these sacrifices is presented as a testament to his character and dedication to South Africa's future.

💡Healing

Healing, in the context of the video, symbolizes the process of emotional and social recovery that Mandela facilitated in South Africa following the end of apartheid. His famous smile and message of forgiveness are portrayed as powerful tools for healing the wounds inflicted by racial division and conflict, helping to forge a path towards a more unified nation.

Highlights

Nelson Mandela's famous smile, which even disarmed his enemies, and his role as a healer of wounds in South Africa.

Mandela's legacy as a bridge between blacks and whites divided by apartheid.

His emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation, contributing to his enormous debt to society.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's acknowledgment of Mandela's role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Mandela's 27 years in prison, most spent on Robben Island, South Africa's Alcatraz.

The harsh conditions in prison and their impact on Mandela's character development.

Ahmed Kathrada's account of the resilience and dignity of Mandela and his fellow prisoners.

Mandela's transformation from a hot-headed young man to a mature leader through his prison experience.

The apartheid laws of 1948 and their severe restrictions on non-white South Africans.

The Sharpeville massacre and its influence on Mandela's shift towards armed resistance.

Mandela's trial for sabotage and conspiracy, and his defiant four and a half hour speech.

International pressure and sanctions leading to Mandela's release from prison.

Mandela's release on February 11, 1990, and the massive celebration in South Africa.

The 1994 non-racial elections and Mandela's victory as South Africa's first black president.

The story of Mandela's influence on uniting South Africans through the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Mandela's personal sacrifices, including his strained relationship with his family.

Mandela's later life, focusing on family and his radiant smile as a symbol of joy.

Transcripts

if he harbored any anger or bitterness

he hid it well behind the famous smile

that disarmed even his enemies

the time for the illegal wounds has come

the more mental bridge the cousins that

divides us has come and in that moment

Nelson Mandela smiling his reassuring

smile became the healer of wounds in

South Africa the bridge across the chasm

between blacks and whites divided by

apartheid that is his legacy

he spoke about forgiveness about

reconciliation and and we owe him an

enormous debt Archbishop Desmond Tutu

also a Titan of the anti-apartheid

movement if someone had come up to him

and said you're quite clear I mean you

talk about forgiveness but you you you

you have not suffered all yesterday's 27

years seeing him this way as his nations

beloved former president it's easy to

forget the Nelson Mandela who spent 27

years in prison most of them here on

Robben Island South Africa's Alcatraz

conditions were grim this was his self

the work especially at the quarry which

pick and shovels was very difficult at

first every day we had bleeding hands

and blisters Ahmed Kathrada was one of

the seven other political prisoners

sentenced with Mandela anything that

infringes the no dignity resisted they

were instructed to do everything

possible to break our morale

they failed prison made the Nelson

Mandela we know today I asked him the

question and he kind of shrugged and he

looked at me and he said I came out

mature Rick Stengel

is the former editor of Time magazine he

helped Mandela write his autobiography

but the young man who went into prison

was hot-headed tempestuous self-involved

not anything like the Nelson Mandela who

emerged and and prison burned all of

those excesses away but who wouldn't

have started out hot-headed and angry

given what the young Nelson Mandela and

other non-white South Africans had to

live with people are different to one

another they have been so created it's

an inescapable fact apartheid became law

in South Africa in 1948 blacks had to

carry passes they couldn't live or

travel where they pleased or vote the

good jobs were reserved for whites

dissenters could pay with their lives

in March 1960 the South African police

fired on demonstrators in the township

of Sharpeville 69 were killed most of

them shot in the back

nelson mandela was a rising star in the

anc the African National Congress which

until the so called Sharpeville massacre

had advocated only peaceful protests

there are many people who feel that it

is useless and futile for us to continue

talking peace and non-violence against

the government whose reply is only

savage attacks on an unarmed defenseless

people Mandela was one of those people

he founded the armed wing of the ANC

considered a revolutionary he was put on

trial for sabotage and conspiracy his

defense was a defiant four and a half

hour speech that ended this way the

ideal of a democratic and free society

he went on if it needs be it is an ideal

for which I am prepared he expected to

be hanged instead he was sentenced to

life in prison

but even locked up Nelson Mandela was

considered a terrorist by the South

African government you could be jailed

for wearing a t-shirt like this one or

carrying a sign

international pressure to end apartheid

and free Nelson Mandela was intense the

star-studded rock concert held in London

in honor of his 70th birthday was seen

on television by hundreds of millions of

people in more than 60 countries but not

in South Africa subjected to stiff

economic sanctions regarded as a pariah

nation South Africa finally got the

message I am now in a position to

announce that mr. Nelson Mandela will be

released at the victor for state prison

on Sunday the 11th of February at about

3 p.m. and so it was on February 11th

1990 Nelson Mandela walked free

his wife winning at his side

black South Africa erupted into an orgy

of celebration we begin in South Africa

where it is welcome home day for Nelson

Mandela Martha teichner is there good

morning Martha

good morning Charlie Nelson Mandela's

been in Johannesburg now for about 18

hours but his real homecoming will be

when he arrives in Soweto the sprawling

black township he hasn't seen for 27

years

looking back amazing scenes oh my god

but these were the really astonishing

pictures four years later in 1994 when

white stood with blacks in line together

to vote in South Africa's first

non-racial election to elect Nelson

Mandela president he wins them over he

seduces them journalist John Collins

book playing the enemy was made into the

movie Invictus

mr. visitor thank you for what you've

come from the culture there is no better

example of how he seduced all races than

the day South Africa beat New Zealand in

the 1995 Rugby World Cup final the first

time ever but black and white South

Africans wanting one common goal which

was for the team to win rugby had been

the white man's sport the green jersey a

potent symbol of a part egg for blacks

but here was South Africa's first black

president being cheered as he walked

onto the field wearing one it was a

moment when white South Africa crowned

Mandela King and to have achieved that

is I think one of the great political

achievements of all time he came out of

prison an old man in a changed landscape

starting over what gave him the will to

become a statesman a Nobel Prize winner

the friend and confidant of world

leaders the price was high his marriage

to Winnie ended in divorce and he was

fathered to his country not to his own

children he understood that sacrifice

and I think it was a great sacrifice

because I think he he truly loved

children I mean it was something that

basically was denied him for 27 years

late in life Nelson Mandela began making

up for lost time he married again and

surrounded himself with children so why

not remember him this way not ailing

wasting away for months

why not remember him smiling his radiant

smile for his own pleasure