“From the beginning, Mandela and Tambo was besieged with clients. We were not the only African lawyers in South Africa, but we were the only firm of African lawyers. For Africans, we were the firm of first choice and last resort.”
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
“From the beginning, Mandela and Tambo was besieged with clients. We were not the only African lawyers in South Africa, but we were the only firm of African lawyers. For Africans, we were the firm of first choice and last resort.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela reflects on the early days of the Mandela and Tambo law firm, which he co-founded with his close friend and political ally Oliver Tambo. The quote highlights the significant role the firm played in the lives of black South Africans during the era of apartheid. At a time when racial segregation and discrimination permeated every aspect of life, including the legal system, the firm became a crucial legal resource for the African community. As the only law firm in South Africa run by African lawyers, it stood as a symbol of empowerment and justice for oppressed people who were denied equal rights under the law. The firm not only offered legal representation but also a sense of dignity and trust in a time when the justice system was biased against black South Africans.
Mandela’s role in the firm went beyond just legal practice. As a lawyer, he and Tambo took on many cases that involved political activism, human rights abuses, and the defense of ordinary Africans against apartheid-era laws. The firm was frequently involved in high-profile cases that challenged the legitimacy of apartheid and advocated for civil rights. It was a space where many black South Africans could seek legal protection from an oppressive regime, making it both a place of refuge and a launchpad for resistance. The fact that the firm was described as the first choice and last resort for many clients reflects the trust and reputation the firm earned in the community, as well as the limited options available to Africans who faced a legal system that was stacked against them.
In contemporary terms, Mandela and Tambo’s law firm exemplifies the power of representation and the importance of having legal professionals who are both skilled and culturally attuned to the needs of their clients. It also serves as a reminder of how access to justice is often limited by systemic inequalities, and how crucial it is to create spaces where marginalized communities can seek fair treatment. The firm’s legacy remains a testament to the idea that lawyers can play an essential role in the struggle for justice, not just by representing clients in court, but also by being active participants in the social change needed to dismantle oppressive systems.
