“When I came to Johannesburg from the countryside, I knew nobody, but many strangers were very kind to me. I then was dragged into politics, and then, subsequently, I became a lawyer.”
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
“When I came to Johannesburg from the countryside, I knew nobody, but many strangers were very kind to me. I then was dragged into politics, and then, subsequently, I became a lawyer.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela reflects on his early life and the series of events that shaped his journey from an unknown young man to a political leader and lawyer. Mandela’s move to Johannesburg represents a significant turning point in his life, where he encountered both the kindness of strangers and the harsh realities of urban life and apartheid. His mention of being “dragged into politics” reveals that his political awakening was not initially planned but was shaped by the injustices he witnessed. His entry into law was similarly driven by circumstances rather than ambition. Mandela’s legal career was a response to the need for skilled advocates in the fight against apartheid, and it served as an important tool in his larger mission for social change.
Historically, Mandela’s relocation to Johannesburg marked the beginning of his political activism. He arrived in the city in the early 1940s, a time when South Africa was entrenched in racial segregation. While working as a clerk and later as a lawyer, Mandela became involved in activism through the ANC and began to see the power of the legal profession in challenging the oppressive laws of apartheid. His legal work, particularly with Oliver Tambo in the establishment of the first black law firm in South Africa, became a key part of his resistance to the apartheid system. Mandela’s early experiences in Johannesburg were formative, contributing to his evolution as both a leader and advocate for justice.
In modern terms, this quote reflects the unexpected journeys that often shape leaders. Mandela’s story is one of how his circumstances—his move to Johannesburg, the kindness of strangers, and his exposure to the struggles of others—led him to become a central figure in the fight for justice and freedom. His journey reminds us that often, leadership is not the result of a predetermined path, but a response to the challenges and opportunities that arise along the way. Mandela’s career, beginning with humble beginnings in a small rural village and leading to a global movement for justice, demonstrates the power of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
