1. My Hero: Nelson Mandela
By Eric Vos
Circumstances Under Which Mandela Became a Hero
How Mandela Became a Hero
Mandela Becomes a Hero
Why Nelson Mandela Is My Hero
The Future for Nelson Mandela

2. Circumstances Under Which Mandela Became a Hero
What was Mandela fighting against?
What was the extent of apartheid in South Africa?
apartheid – a whole body of laws that separated blacks from whites.
A little under 20% of South Africans were white = large minority.

3. How Mandela Became a Hero
Elected deputy president of African National Congress (ANC) in 1952
Freedom movement forced to turn to armed struggle – Umkhonto. However, physical violence was never advocated in this movement.
Sentenced to life in prison on charges of sabotage

4. How Mandela Became a Hero
When in jail for 27 years, Mandela was offered time and again his freedom if he would simply renounce the violence. He never did. He only renounced the violence upon being freed.
Mandela never lost hope. He remembers playing Creon in Sophocles’ “Antigone.” He enjoyed Greek plays, taking from them that “a hero was a man who would not break even under the most trying circumstances.”

5. Mandela Becomes a Hero
Known as “the most famous prisoner in the world”
Began secretly negotiating with the government his release
Instrumental in creating a pure democratic government in South Africa and toppling apartheid
Wins first all-race presidential election in South African history in 1994

6. Mandela Becomes a Hero
“This is one of the most important moments in the life of our country. I stand before you filled with deep pride and joy — pride in the ordinary, humble people of this country. You have shown such a calm, patient determination to reclaim this country as your own. And joy that we can loudly proclaim from the rooftops: Free at last!”

7. Why Nelson Mandela Is My Hero
Mandela holds every intrinsic heroic trait:
He is a virtuous person and a good role model to those with bleak futures in their midst.
His determination is an example of inspiration to everyone.
His wife, Winnie, indicates his constant selflessness: “If you became involved in our cause as he was, it was just not possible to think in terms of yourself at all.”
His achievements are truly extraordinary.

8. The Future For Nelson Mandela
“There should be no tensions in any region in which we have not emerged as the majority party. Let us stretch out our hands to those who have bitterness and to say to them: ‘We are all South Africans, we have had a good fight. But now this is the time to heal the old wounds and to build a new South Africa.’”