• My family is my life

I'm considered one of the most important personalities in what concerns to Democracy and Human Rights fight. The truth is that I wouldn't get to what I am today without the support and help of a big and caring family!
They were with me in every little, but marking moment of my life. I want to express here my gratitude for all they've done for me. My impossibility of being present in some of their important moments because of my political life, brought me some sorrow. I couldn't, for example, be present in my son's funeral because I was in jail.
I'm sorry for all those little fails, but I'm glad I can now say to the world that I have the best family I could have. I had 3 wives and 5 children, but only two of them are still alive. This is a small tribute to all of them, here or not, close or far away. This family made me the man I am today, and this is the way I thank them for all that. I'm a big man, but without this shinning stars encouraging me, I would be just one more lonely black hole.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family." Anthony Brandt

• Steps to a better world

I was surfing the Internet today, and I came across this funny cartoon! It's a very light way of showing how we can fight for our dreams, but it's really a summary of what you have to do to achieve your goals, just as I did!
Always try, try hard and do not resign with the world you have. We have to keep taking democracy and equality to the ones who don't have it.
In my inauguration speech as President of South Africa, I've said: "We dedicate this day to all the heroes and heroines in this country and the rest of the world who sacrificed in many ways and surrendered their lives so that we could be free. Their dreams have become reality. Freedom is their reward. (...) We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfil themselves. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign."
With these words I finish this reflection today. I hope you, my brothers and sisters, still fight for human race's good values.

• St. Valentine's Day ♥

Manuscript of St. Valentine's day reflection.

Here it is a litlle reflection on St. Valentine's day I've made on 2008

“It will probably shock many to discover how colossally ignorant I am about simple things the ordinary person takes for granted. Having been born and grown up in a rural environment with parents who could neither read nor write, one hardly ever heard about Valentine’s Day.
Moving to the cities one was gradually drawn into mainstream politics and there was little room for upgrading oneself with information on such issues.
Only during the last five years did I receive Valentine cards and gifts. But one must naturally develop enormous respect for those who bring happiness to others anonymously far from the limelight.
Unfortunately my tight programme does not allow me to find time to celebrate Valentine’s Day either today or in future.” – Nelson Mandela.

• Prisoner 466/64

Today marks the day I was released from prison 21 years ago!

Take a look at my political life below and celebrate with me.

• "I am the captain of my soul"

"OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

I hope you enjoy this poem and song *