After battling a protracted illness, Nelson Mandela died yesterday of a lung infection. He was 95. The inspirational lawyer and former leader of the African National Congress was an integral part of ending apartheid in South Africa, famously spending 27 years of his life in prison, and earning the honour of being the first democratically elected President in the history of South Africa. Here are six videos that show Mandela at his best.
6. Nelson Mandela’s First Television Appearance.
When Mandela made his first television appearance on Britan’s ITV in 1961, he was a wanted man. After years of fighting prosecution from the South African government, Mandela had become a master of disguises, often dressing as a chauffeur, laborer, and chef to throw off the authorities. This interview–his first on television–was given at a safehouse, when Mandela was 42.
5. Nelson Mandela appears on Oprah.
In the year 2000, at the age of 82, Mandela appeared on Oprah, bringing his tales of his prison experience, post-prison career, and views on racial, social, and gender equality to middle America. This video features added commentary on the lasting effect Mandela’s appaearance had on the staff at Harpo.
4. Release from Prison Speech at Wembley Stadium.
Two months after his release from prison, Mandela gave a speech in front of 90,000 in London’s Wembley Stadium, and an international audience of nearly 600 million in 66 countries. When he takes the stage, Mandela receives an ovation that lasts nearly five minutes.
3. Nelson Mandela’s Nomination for South African President.
Mandela is formally nominated for the President of South Africa by anti-apartheid activist Albertina Sisulu.
2. Harvard Honarary Degree
Nelson Mandela received a rare honoary degree at Harvard honour in September of 1998, 55 years after the same honoary degree was granted to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Over 10,000 students witnessed Mandela crack wise about his age, before honouring his journey and Harvard with a powerful speech.
1. Retirement Speech
At the age of 81, Mandela resigned his post as President of South Africa and opted for retirement, seeking the quiet time and reflection he gave up when he left prison and became one of the most popular social and political figures in history. He opens with similar jokes to his Harvard speech, but something tells us the press forgave him for it.
A memorial service for Mandela will be held in Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium (the location of his last public speech, at the World Cup in 2010), on December 10th, with funeral proceedings occuring on Deceber 15th.
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Jordan Sowunmi is a writer and editor at the Toronto Standard. He is on Twitter: @jordanisjoso
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