A long walk earlier than independence - Education from the immature Mandela

As a young South African I ask you something strange question: Who was the Nelson Mandela? The history I learned that he was the first black president of a democratic South Africa, a martyr who was imprisoned for 27 years, Nobel Peace Prize winners - among many other awards for his great political reform.

[This article was published as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday. It first appeared in the University World News July 18, 2013]

Often, this knowledge was accompanied by a picture of a gray-haired man in camouflage shirt waving to the crowd to admire; withered man staring from his prison cell on Ruben Island; or the young man in boxing attire with raised fists.

But for 21-year-old student who never experienced apartheid and oppression, which is Nelson Mandela in relation to the new dilemmas that the 19-year-old democracy brought?

Lessons for the 'Born frees'

In contrast to the image of the old and the young achiever fighter, it was through exploring the identity of the young Nelson Mandela before the gray hairs that I found valuable lessons that apply to my generation.

Mandela's parents were illiterate, and was part of a generation to move from rural to urban cattle breeding gardeners and miners, but remarkably defied this limit by embarking on a study to become a lawyer.

His first job, way before he became the first black president after apartheid in South Africa, was a night watchman, when he was studying for his BA degree. As a member of the royal clan Temba in the Eastern Cape, his decision to humble himself to the lowly job in spite of its class - in the pursuit of higher education - was superb.

And later, in furthering their education, gained study loans to finance their law degree. Rather, it shows a sense of defiant self-initiative, contrary to post-apartheid cultural rights and dependence on the government when it comes to searching for one's education.

It is sad that people insist on waiting for the government to provide for all. Spirit of Mandela bold on its own initiative in taking hold ongoing education is dying out among young people, and the resulting lack of initiative among people to improve their lives.