Nelson Mandela is best known for his constant struggle and eventual success in overthrowing the system of Apartheid in South Africa. He became the first black President of South Africa after 27 years in prison, and oversaw the transition of South Africa from white supremacist state to a Multi-Cultural Democracy.
Mandela was born on the 18th of July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtata. As a young man he studied Law at the University of Witwatersrand where he was the only black African student and experienced racism first hand. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and eventually became part of the executive committee, protesting the Apartheid laws and pushing for equality.
On the 5th of August 1962 he was arrested because of his boycotts and strikes opposing the apartheid system. He was first imprisoned for 18 years at Robben Island prison in a small cell and forced to do hard labour in brutal conditions. But his enduring popularity forced the apartheid government to ban photos of Mandela in 1964, while also making it illegal for publications to quote him.
In April 1982, he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison for 6 Years along with several senior African National Congress leaders in an attempt to isolate them from influencing the younger activists on Robben Island. Finally, in December 1988, Mandela was moved to Victor Verster Prison for 2 years where he completed his law degree.
Mandela was finally released on the 11th of February 1990 after 27 Years in jail. Fearing civil war and under international pressure, President De Klerk had ordered the unconditional release of Mandela. The event of Mandela’s release was broadcast live around the world. The next four years were spent negotiating with the ruling National Party, led by President FW de Klerk, to arrange a peaceful transfer of power to majority rule.
In 1994, 4 years after he was released from prison, Nelson Mandela ran for President aged 75 as leader of the ANC. On the 27th of April 1994 his party won 62 percent of the votes in elections to the national assembly. When the new assembly met in May it promptly appointed Mandela President.
Following his election victory one of the challenges Mandela faced was uniting the country in the aftermath of apartheid. After the collapse of white rule many speculated that the ANC’s victory could result in the country fragmenting with racial divisions or descending into Civil War. Mandela worked to reassure both the White and Black Communities. One of the ways Mandela worked to do this was by appointing a broad range of ministers. An example of this is when he appointed National Party ministers for Agriculture, Environment, Minerals and Energy as well as having ministers from the African National Congress. He also appointed two deputy presidents (one from each party): FW de Klerk (National Party) and Thabo Mbeki (African National Congress).
Another way he aimed to unite the country was by supporting South Africa’s bid to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Due to the Apartheid regime South Africa had long been banned from many international sports events. For example, in 1970 the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned South Africa from playing International Cricket. As a result, South Africa would not play another international match for 21 years, until November 10th, 1991, when they played India in a one day international in Calcutta. India was also the first team to tour South Africa in the 1992-93 season for 4 test matches and 7 one day internationals.
Mandela saw an opportunity to use Rugby to foster a National Pride amongst all communities. He hoped Rugby would provide the country with an example of the forgiveness and reconciliation that was further emphasized when he encouraged all black South Africans to get behind the Rugby team—the Springboks. The Team was previously hated by Black South Africans because it was a Symbol of white racial superiority and the Apartheid regime.
The abiding image of the tournament is one of Mandela wearing a Springbok jersey with Pienaar’s number 6 on the back as he presented the trophy to the South African Captain, following the victorious final against New Zealand on the 24th of June 1995. This was an important moment because it symbolized a new era of peace and equality in South Africa for all communities.
Francois Pienaar later recalled the events stating “He realized the power of sport and he embraced it”. Moreover, through his efforts Mandela “got the whole nation to support the team” in a momentous win for national unity.
At the time Mandela received a lot of criticism from those advocating a less conciliatory approach. His ex-wife Winnie, for example, accused the African National congress of not doing enough to help the black majority in order to appease the white community. However, Mandela aimed to construct a new, unified national identity that would overcome the divisions of the past — in this regard, his decision to wear the Springbok jersey was emblematic of a united country.
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https://www.history.com/news/nelson-mandela-1995-rugby-world-cup-south-african-unity