Photo by Cindy Barnes
A Leader of Love
Christine Miller
The Mandela we know and love represents freedom, trust, integrity, a new era for South Africa, and inspiration for the rest of the world.
We don’t doubt his struggles and suffering whilst imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island, and that the tough times he overcame led to a better future for South Africa’s people and rippled out to affect us all. He was a world figure, a leader whose following loved him for his caring, his dedication and persistence, and for his evident love of mankind, of justice, equality and freedom.
He did not shirk difficult decisions, knew when to step back and let others lead, and also knew how to be loving in a strong and courageous way which only increased his ability to influence for good. We saw him as quiet power, a humble source of commitment to change, and a transformational, undeniable force for good.
He was a human being: a human being who represented Love at Work – and now his memory and the spirit of his actions, words and way of being remain to inspire us to be, ourselves, Leaders of Love.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” —Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
In honour of his life, with joy and anticipation of a legacy fulfilled in his own lifetime.
Below, a short film from 21 Icons of the last photoshoot with Nelson Mandela.
We take an exclusive journey with Adrian Steirn to Nelson Mandela’s home in Qunu, Eastern Cape, and experience the warmth and intimacy that permeated the atmosphere during the portrait shoot. We also hear what others have to say about the greatest icon of them all.
Nelson Mandela Launches The Elders
The Elders honour the memory of their Founder, Nelson Mandela
“Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all” –
Kofi Annan
“He was a moral colossus, a global icon of forgiveness and reconciliation” –
Desmond Tutu
Nelson Mandela founded The Elders in Johannesburg on his 89th birthday,
18 July 2007
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