Leadership lessons from the life of Nelson Mandela

It has been a long and sad one week as the world bade goodbye to an extraordinary world leader, Nelson Mandela. People from all walks of life paid tribute to this amazing person who was one of the most important persons of the 20th century. His life was truly lived in a self-less and self-giving manner. Mandela stood firmly for his ideals and showed his country men and women and indeed the whole world how to go past bitterness to reconciliation and forgiveness. Because of Mandela, South Africa was able to transition into a democratic state in a smooth a manner as possible given its history. South Africa escaped the fate that unfortunately has been the bane for many countries in Africa, that have in the past and some today are riven with conflict and tragedy. After being unjustly jailed for 27 years, Mandela would have come out of prison with strong hatred and bitterness against his oppressors and he could have very easily energized his supporters to seek revenge. But he chose a different path. He chose the path of forgiveness and reconciliation. He brought together all the varied people of his country and gave them a sense of unity and brotherhood that could not have otherwise been achieved in different circumstances. For the rest of Africa, there are many lessons to be drawn from his life and his leadership. One of the greatest lessons that can be learnt from his example is that the path of peace and reconciliation can be achieved. The countries of Africa today that are racked with conflict and violence can learn from Mandela's example, that people can indeed live in peace with one another. African leaders in these countries ought to learn from the leadership of Mandela and lead their countries towards peace and understanding. Another lesson to be learned is that past injustices should not be grounds for continuing the circle of violence and revenge against one's enemies just so as to settle a score. People can and should move past their grievances and seek solutions and ways to acknowledge the injustice but move beyond it and seek a brighter and better future for themselves.