He was born a
troublemaker.
Charlayne
Hunter-Gault reflected Monday morning on the life of Nelson Mandela, whose
forename, Rolihlahla, translates to “troublemaker” in Xhosa.
Hunter-Gault,
one of the first two African-American students to enroll in the University of
Georgia, spent a major part of her career working in South Africa as a
correspondent for National Public Radio and CNN.
For
Hunter-Gault, living in South Africa and experiencing Mandela’s influence was
something to behold.
“He
was beyond the ordinary,” Hunter-Gault said.
Even
from an early age, Mandela was a born leader, according to Hunter-Gault.
Hunter-Gault
discussed the importance of Mandela’s rebellious nature in his political
endeavors where his moral authority and unique sense to leadership were some of
the key components to his success.
“He
was directing the flock from behind,” Hunter-Gault said.
Hunter-Gault
used the metaphor of the flock to describe Mandela’s dedication to every member
of his movement.
According
to Hunter-Gault, Mandela spoke of always drawing back the one or two animals
that stray away in order to represent the importance of having a common
consensus in a political movement.
Working
in South Africa allowed Hunter-Gault to interview Mandela, as well as
experience his transition from 27 years in prison to becoming the President of
South Africa.
“I
witnessed a miracle,” Hunter-Gault said. “I saw the peaceful transition to a
multicultural democracy.”
The
importance of a peaceful transition rings true to Hunter-Gault’s own personal
experience being a student at the University of Georgia.
As
one of the first two African-American students studying at UGA, Hunter-Gault
did not speak to any students during her first three days on campus.
It
was not until she wrote a paper on ancient Greek culture that her professor
remarked as one of the best papers he had ever read.
For
Hunter-Gault, this moment marked her own personal transition to being accepted
into the University of Georgia community.
51
years after being admitted as a student to UGA, Hunter-Gault sees tangible
change occurring on campus.
“I
see how much progress we’ve made,” Hunter-Gault said.
The
struggles Mandela faced as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South
Africa mirror those of Hunter-Gault in breaking racial boundaries on campus.
Hunter-Gault
reflected on Mandela’s legacy and the power of his timeless and transcendent
values.
“Values
that shape not only the destiny of South Africa and its people,” Hunter-Gault
said. “But gave the world a view of humanity that endures again.”
