The Countries Mandela Has Touched

As South Africa mourns the death of one of their greatest leaders, the rest of the world reflects on one of the most influential people of all time. Nelson Mandela may have been born in South Africa, he may have been incarcerated there for 27 years and he may have fought for the freedom and liberation of the southern African country, but his fight touched people throughout the world. Today, as one world, we join forces to look back at a life that was lived selflessly and without regret.* Mandela travelled to many countries after he was released from prison, and in some way he touched each one of them. We look at what each country is doing to celebrate his life.

China

In 1992, two years after his release from prison, Nelson Mandela visited China. Throughout his life Mandela had mentioned wanting to visit China, and when he did he was greeted by Chinese leaders, laying the foundation for a strong relationship between the two countries.

When Mandela visited Peking University he gave a charismatic and passionate speech that received rounds of applause from all the students. As Mandela had previously studied law, the university decided that he deserved an honorary degree. After becoming president in 1994, Mandela continued to cultivate a relationship between China and South Africa. Of course, when he was there it wasn't all work and no play. Mandela toured the country, taking in all the sights. His picture in front of the Great Wall of China sees him beaming him from ear to ear.

According to Professor Lou Haocai, who was vice president of Peking University at during the time he visited, Mandela was a "fighter", "He was a fighter, a fighter against inequality. He had a huge impact on Africa and on the world...”

Spain

Mandela visited Spain three times before he became president, but perhaps one of his most memorable visits was in 1992. Again, he attempted to unite South Africa and Spain, but this time it was through sports.

Mandela arrived in Spain to see the 1992 Olympics, and hours before the opening ceremony he gave yet another memorable speech. As the auditorium filled with athletes listened, silenced by the his words, Mandela spoke about being greatful for the opportunity to be there, "Our country has been isolated for many years, not only in sports, but in other fields as well. We are saying now, 'Let's forget the past. Let bygones be bygones.'" His visit also included meeting with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, and months later, he visited Spain again to collect the Spain's Prince of Asturias Award for International Corporation.

France

By now, many people may have seen the image of the Eiffel Tower lit up with the colours of the South African flag. If you haven't seen that, then you may have seen all the flags in France flying at half mast. more blog posts