We need Nelson Mandela's example more than ever today. How the South African leader's radical empathy can help the US today
CNN
As the world celebrates Nelson Mandela's 103rd birthday this Sunday, now is a good time to remember that he was a tough, cunning leader who faced challenges in South Africa that bear frightening parallels to the current political situation in the US.
The man's name was General Constand Viljoen, and he was dubbed the "ultimate enforcer" of apartheid, the brutal system where Whites had ruled over Blacks in South Africa for much of the 20th century. Viljoen was the former chief of the South African Defense Force, which had crushed dissent in Black townships and, some say, assassinated Black activists. He thought Mandela was a terrorist who deserved execution. "Ah, hello, General," Mandela said, greeting Viljoen with a big smile. "How very good to see you. I have heard so much about you. Thank you very much for accepting my invitation."More Related News