The Struggle

Nelson Mandela is a hero, martyr, father to his nation, former president, freedom fighter and an enigma. He spent his life in service to the "struggle" for freedom and equality that began with a commitment to non violence as a vehicle for change. He eventually, however, came to the conclusion that the oppressors would never give way their power and privilege with exclusively non violent measures. He had shifted to military training and tactics when arrested for sabotage and placed in the prison on Robben Island, off the shores of Cape Town. For twenty seven years, he did hard labor in the lime quarry-not for any purpose other than humiliation and backbreaking toil to destroy the spirit in addition to the body. Black prisoners were given sub, sub standard food, clothing and sleeping arrangements over the sub standard conditions for "coloreds" (mixed race) and Indians, following the twisted rationale of Apartheid.

When released in 1990, he successfully led the ANC in negotiations to a multi-racial democracy, ending Apartheid and shepherding in an era of reconciliation and equality for all South Africans. He found a way to forgive and expected others to as well, returning to his roots as a follower of Gandhi's Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) introduced almost a century earlier in South Africa, and denouncing subsequent ANC terrorist activities that injured civilians in the 80's. Service such as his is complex and even confusing to fully understand. The transformation over his life time from freedom fighter, non-violent activist, paramilitary trainer, political prisoner, peace negotiator and revered 'Tata" (Xhosa for father) demonstrates again that humans are certainly capable of great sacrifice and inspiration while at the same time subject to frailty and failings. Gandhi often reminded his followers that he was but a common man with a simple goal. Mandela likewise never desired deification, only fair and equal treatment for his fellow flawed human beings.

It appears that not only is service transformational but the process of transformation involves acts of service to self and others in an imperfect, non-linear and very human manner.