Mandela The Boxer: He Was A 'Contender'

Hevyweight-Nelson Rolhlahla Mandela

Photograph by Drum photographer © Baileys Archive

The last good man of good men who refused to bend to racial inhuman cruelties inflicted by so-called other “humans”, Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 95.

He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long illness, including complications from Tuberculosis-that he contracted while in prison for 27 years that also affected his respiratory system. An amateur heavyweight boxer and an advocate for human rights Mandela fought his non-stop “war” against Apartheid. He strong –mindedly endured the cruelty of incarceration by exercising in his small prison cell to stay healthy and by writing letters although limited to his family.

When this icon of humanity of royal blood sometimes referred to as Mabida, his traditional name, was released from prison in 1990 he continued his unbroken spirited crusade against Apartheid almost as if he had never been imprisoned.

No matter how many movies are made of him or who plays him or how many books are written of him you cannot duplicate this man and you cannot walk in his shoes. What we have to do universally is to follow and apply his teachings to our lives, and the world would be a better place.

That is the unbroken legacy of prisoner # 46664, Nelson Mandela, that should “blanket” us forever.

Good night sweet Prince, with that forever infectious smile, you can now rest because we are that much richer since you passed our way.