Long walk to freedom - Education from the youthful Mandela

As a young South African, I asked myself a little strange question: Who was Nelson Mandela? In the story I have been taught that he was the first black president of a democratic South Africa, as a martyr who was imprisoned for 27 years, the Nobel Peace Prize - among many other honors for his major political reform.

[This article is reprinted as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday. He first appeared in the University World News on July 18, 2013]

Often this knowledge was accompanied by the image of a gray-haired man with a colorful shirt waving admiration of the audience; withered man watched from his cell on Ruben Island; or a young gentleman in boxing attire with raised fists.

But for 21-year-old student who never experienced apartheid and oppression that is Nelson Mandela to new dilemmas that 19-year-old democracy has brought about?

Hours "born frees"

In contrast image of old and young Achiever fighter, he is by examining the identity of a young Nelson Mandela before the gray hairs that I found valuable lessons applicable to my generation.

Mandela parents were both illiterate, and he was part of the generation that will move from rural to urban gardeners and miners herding cattle, but remarkably limited contempt of those embarking on studies to become a lawyer.

His first job, way before becoming the first black president of post-apartheid South Africa was as a night watchman, while he was studying for his bachelor's degree. As a member of the royal clan Temba in the Eastern Cape, his decision to humble himself to take a lowly job, despite its class - in the pursuit of higher education - was delightful.

And later, to further his education, he acquired training credits to finance his law degree. This shows a sense of defiant self-initiative contrary to post-apartheid culture of law and dependence on the government when it comes to the pursuit of one's education.

It is sad that people insist on waiting for the government predict everything. Spirit of bold self-initiative and taking hold of the training course Mandela to disappear among young people, has led to a lack of initiative among people to improve their lives.