The Peaceful Terrorist
Why Was Nelson Mandela Considered a Terrorist?
The controversial path to freedom and the world’s changing view of a great man.
Nelson Mandela, a name synonymous with peace, reconciliation, and the fight against apartheid. Yet, for a significant part of his life, he was labeled a terrorist by many western governments. How did the world’s perception of this iconic figure shift so dramatically? Let’s dive into the intricate history behind this label.
The Birth of the Armed Struggle
In the tumultuous early 1960s, South Africa was a cauldron of racial tension. The apartheid regime’s oppressive policies had marginalized the majority black population for decades.
Peaceful protests, inspired by the non-violent resistance of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, were the primary tools of opposition. However, the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where 69 protestors were killed by police, marked a turning point.
The brutality of this event convinced Mandela and other African National Congress (ANC) leaders that peaceful resistance alone might not achieve their goals. In response, they founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation).
