Nelson Mandela is one of the most revered statesmen in the world; Mandela led the huge struggle to replace the apartheid regime that governed South Africa with one of multi-racial democracy. Mr Mandela strove towards reaching the ideal of a democratic free society where all people could live together in perfect harmony and peace, and with equal opportunities.

Nelson Mandela played a vital and leading role in the pursuit for peace. In 1993 Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Just five months later for the first time ever in the history of South Africa, all races voted in the democratic elections, which led to Nelson Mandela being elected president. During his reign as president Mr Mandela worked towards overcoming the housing shortage for the poor and building a new and international image for South Africa. Mr Mandela succeeded in persuading some of the very best multinational corporations to invest and remain in South Africa.

Mr Mandela continued working to make the world a better place and on his 80th birthday he was still travelling, meeting world leaders and attending conferences. On his 89th birthday Nelson Mandela formed the "Elders". The group consisted of a superb group of some of the very best in leading figures in the world, who offered their expertise when it came to tackling some of the world’s biggest problems. Very few individuals in the world have the charisma, lack of bitterness and a sense of humour that is depreciating, Nelson Mandela has all of these superb traits. It is perhaps these traits that have contributed to Nelson Mandela having global appeal that can only be considered extraordinary. Nelson Mandela has become one of the highest profile ambassadors for South Africa, helping to secure the 2010 World Cup Football in South Africa.

Mr Mandela has been actively involved in peace negotiations in African countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, along with encouraging peace efforts in many other parts of the world. In 2004 Nelson Mandela decided to retire away from public life to spend some much deserved quality time with his family members.

We would like to show our appreciation and admiration of Nelson Mandela, a man who sacrificed a great deal in the effort to bring harmony and peace.

Editorial | Courtesy Of Nelson Mandela Foundation