The Legacy Of Nelson Mandela

This world icon who was christened Rolihlahla Mandela

Historically defeated Apartheid in South Africa

Epic birth was on July 18, 1918 to a small villager

Lineage of his name was colloquially “troublemaker”

Educated from seven he was his family’s first academic one

Got renamed by teachers after Admiral Horatio Nelson

A name that soon became a very popular activist

Collapsing apartheid and leading the African National Congress

Young Mandela was imprisoned by a bias Democracy

On convictions of crimes against the S. African Hierarchy  

For 27 years he was locked up but his faith remained

Nelson was released on Feb 11, 1990 and started again

Equality was his fight and it soon came to be

Lands afar called him the symbol of freedom and equality

Soon multi-racial democracy came to S. Africa

On May 10, 1994 they elected President Mandela

Nelson reigned until June 16, 1999 with respect globally

Many awards he received including Noble Peace Prize in 1993

Africans honor him by calling him Madiba

Name adapted by the elders in the clan of Mandela

Devoting his life to facing adversity with dignity

Emanated from his admiration of Mahatma Ghandi

Life for many made so different because he chose his way

All come let’s celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90^th Birthday