“We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
Quote
“We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Nelson Mandela’s commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and achieving social justice for all. Mandela, through his leadership in the African National Congress (ANC), dedicated his life to combating apartheid and advancing the rights of all South Africans, particularly the disenfranchised black majority. His pledge to “liberate all our people” underscores a vision that extended beyond mere political independence, encompassing broader socio-economic and cultural freedoms, such as the fight against poverty, deprivation, suffering, and gender discrimination.
The historical context of this statement aligns with Mandela’s belief in inclusive liberation, where true freedom cannot be achieved without eradicating the deep-seated social and economic injustices that were entrenched by apartheid. These words can be interpreted as a commitment to creating a South Africa where equality was not only political but also social and economic. Mandela’s leadership was pivotal in ensuring that the post-apartheid government prioritized policies that addressed these issues, such as through affirmative action, education reforms, and the promotion of gender equality.
In modern times, Mandela’s pledge remains relevant in discussions about global development and socioeconomic inequality. Many countries, including South Africa itself, continue to grapple with the enduring legacy of poverty and systemic discrimination, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups. The commitment to liberate people from these conditions reflects ongoing struggles in social justice movements around the world, where issues like gender equality, racial discrimination, and economic justice are central to national and global discourse.
