Nelson Mandela – A Great Leader

In reflecting on Nelson Mandela’s passing last week, I thought about his commitment to peace for the people of South Africa and especially the youth of his nation.

Photo courtesy of CNN.com

Think of the challenges he faced during his lifetime to meet that commitment. A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who emerged from prison after 27 years to become a noted politician and philanthropist, Mr. Mandela ultimately led his nation to democracy and was elected as the first black President of South Africa. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and raised millions for humanitarian causes.

Can you think of a finer example of leadership?

Photo courtesy of Scouts of South Africa

He was also a powerful patron of the Scouting movement, recognizing its values for his nation’s young people, as he described in these remarks:

“The international Scout movement is a world leader in youth education, and has particular relevance to the needs of youth in Africa and the emerging democracies around the globe. I am pleased with the progress of Scouting in South Africa, and in the steps which are now being taken to make the program accessible to more young people. The importance of a high moral code, which is at the foundation of the Scout movement, cannot be stressed too highly.”

SCOUTS South Africa posted this tribute to Mandela to its website:

“SCOUTS South Africa would like to express our sincere condolences to the family members of our Patron, former president Nelson Mandela. Mandela was a man that not only inspired a nation and many generations, but who gave true meaning to the principles “duty to God, duty to others and duty to self”.

Nelson Mandela’s faith in human nature and devotion to world peace will remain as an inspiration to all of us.  I urge all of us to take a moment to honor his memory.

How has Mr. Mandela’s passing affected you, and how are you remembering his life’s work?  Share your thoughts here.

Thank you.

Wayne