Some leaders are born while others are made. Nelson Mandela is one of the leaders I believe emerged from birth, he lived to change a narrative , living a life of his word. It's unfortunate I knew him only after his death as the world celebrated him. I googled a few things about him and was amazed at the man he was. He was a man whose words revolved around two ideas ; Freedom and democracy He wasn't moved by the obstacles that surrounded him, he knew what he wanted and wasn't distracted by the opposition that arose.
Reading about him changed my mindset about vision and resilience. It gave me hope that as long as one persists, before him lies glory. It was in his lifestyle I learned true vision never wavered. Imagine going to prison for what he believed and yet wasn't discouraged, he foresaw the product of his vision that was yet to be visible. The sacrifice wasn't just for himself, it was a sacrifice for generations to come, he believed someone needed to rise and fight against apartheid and restore a country where everyone has rights and if there was a person, it was him.
He restored democracy and ended racial segregation among them and later became the first black president in South Africa. Before Glory, came sacrifice and days of wiping. You may be wondering what impact he made in my life, the singular idea that everything is possible if we are not wavering. It's a knowledge that has stuck to my heart and has inspired me for boldness ever since. His selfless sacrifice shows true leaders are more concerned about the people and the generations to come than themselves and that's what makes him a born-leader.
If there's ever a place in the afterworld for true leaders, I believe he would be seated among leaders who had impacted the world they once lived in. If hierarchy is considered in the heavens, he'll be among the giants who rose above their limitations and brought freedom to their people. If there's a place in paradise for kings and queens, he will be an honored guest wining and dining among the dignitaries. He was not just a leader, he left a legacy that would forever remain in the heart of every South Africa, whether small or old, and the ones born afterward.