“Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.”
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
“Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.”
Explanation
This quote encapsulates Nelson Mandela’s vision for a just and equitable society where every person has access to the basic necessities of life. By highlighting work, bread, water, and salt, Mandela is emphasizing the importance of economic security, sustenance, and dignity for all people. These items symbolize the fundamental rights of individuals to a livelihood, food, clean water, and the simple comforts that sustain life. Mandela’s call reflects his belief that the fight for equality and freedom must go beyond political rights to include economic justice and the eradication of poverty.
Historically, Mandela’s advocacy for basic human rights was central to his fight against the systemic injustice of apartheid, which marginalized black South Africans from equal access to economic resources, education, and health care. For Mandela, true liberation was not just about ending legal and racial discrimination, but ensuring that the economic empowerment of all South Africans was central to the nation’s future. His call for work and bread for all reflects his belief in an inclusive economy that would uplift all citizens, particularly the poor and marginalized, after the end of apartheid.
In modern contexts, this quote continues to resonate in global discussions about poverty alleviation, economic equality, and human rights. In a world still plagued by inequality and poverty, Mandela’s words are a reminder that social justice requires the provision of basic needs for all individuals, and that economic empowerment is an essential component of human dignity. His vision remains a guiding principle for those working to create fairer, more inclusive societies, where no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better life.
