“Whatever position I occupied, it was the result of colleagues – of my comrades in the movement – who had decided in their wisdom to use me for the purpose of focusing the attention of the country and the international community on me.”
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.
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Quote
“Whatever position I occupied, it was the result of colleagues – of my comrades in the movement – who had decided in their wisdom to use me for the purpose of focusing the attention of the country and the international community on me.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela emphasizes that his leadership and the positions he held were not the result of personal ambition or individual effort, but rather the collective decision of his comrades within the anti-apartheid movement. Mandela acknowledges the role of his colleagues in selecting him as a symbol of the struggle for freedom, focusing attention on him as a figurehead around which the movement could rally. This reflects his deep sense of humility and self-awareness, recognizing that his success was the outcome of a shared effort rather than personal glory. Mandela’s leadership was characterized by the collective rather than the individual, and he always placed the interests of the broader movement ahead of his own.
Mandela’s words here also underscore his understanding of the political strategy behind his rise to prominence. The anti-apartheid movement, both inside and outside of South Africa, needed a figure who could capture the world’s attention and galvanize support for the cause. Mandela became that figure, but he did so not by force of will, but by being part of a broader strategic vision. His willingness to become the face of the movement, even at great personal cost, speaks to his commitment to the collective struggle for freedom and justice. In this sense, Mandela’s leadership was always about service rather than personal power.
This quote is also a reminder that the fight for freedom and justice is never won by any one individual, but through the collaborative efforts of many. Mandela’s leadership was a product of his comrades’ wisdom in recognizing his unique role in mobilizing both national and international support. His recognition of this shared effort also serves as an important lesson in modern political leadership, where the success of movements often depends on the unity, collective action, and strategic decision-making of those involved. It highlights the value of teamwork and the importance of humility for those in leadership positions.
