Learning Democracy and Equality in Suppressed South Africa

How did Mandela’s childhood and education impact his political philosophy?

Nelson Mandela is a prime example of a person who has always had the courage and strength to follow what he believes is right. Certain aspects of his political philosophy have never wavered no matter the time or date. The main focus is on the importance of democracy and equality among all South Africans as well as across the rest of the world. Looking back on his childhood, it is obvious that gradual changes throughout his life made Mr. Mandela who he is today.

Even before he was old enough to understand, his father was a leading role model for his belief in equality and democracy. Mr. Mandela’s father was a chief but lost his chieftainship when a dispute arises between Mr. Mandela’s father and one of his subjects. The magistrate summons his father and his father sends word he will not go. Though the dispute was not significant, his father was “asserting his traditional prerogative as a chief and was challenging the authority of the magistrate.”(7) Mr. Mandela was too young to remember this altercation but belief in equality is clearly in Mr. Mandela’s blood. His family brought him up on the principle that if you feel something is unjust you must stand up for your beliefs even if it leads to losses.

Democracy was another basic principle in Mr. Mandela’s life. Most clearly he witnessed it after joining the family of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo. The regent would hold meetings to which everyone was welcome to attend and speak on the issues being discussed. One of the most important points was that the meetings either “ended in unanimity or not at all…democracy meant all men were to be heard…Majority was a foreign notion. A minority was not to be crushed by a majority.”(22) This understanding of democracy is a key component of Mr. Mandela’s beliefs later in life. Many supporters of the ANC or other similar causes may have wanted to have all of the whites kicked out once they won over the government. Though Mr. Mandela learned of the importance of democracy and thus the need for equality for the suppressed South Africans, he also witnessed the importance of not leaving anyone out, even the minorities.

Throughout the rest of his education Mr. Mandela witnesses the importance of democracy and equality again and again. Sometimes it was through teachers acting like his father and standing up to white authority. Other times it was huge moments such as when Krune Mqhavi the poet speaks at Healdtown and introduces Mr. Mandela to the idea that his white superiors might not be his benefactors. Childhood has a great impact on every person and Mr. Mandela grew up learning what later helped him change his entire country.