December

Students’ Union remembers Nelson Mandela

This weekend, Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union remembers Nelson Mandela.

In the face of adversity and injustice, Mandela forgave his enemies and wholly transformed the narrative of South Africa.  In doing so, he inspired not just a country but the world around him.  In common with many Students’ Unions throughout the UK at the time, Queen’s University students picked up the mantle to campaign for the end of apartheid in South Africa and the release of Mandela. In 1986, our Students’ Union changed the name of our McMordie Hall to the Mandela Hall, a significant symbol of our members’ commitment to equality of rights and freedom.  Even after his release and throughout the 1990s, the movement for peace and reconciliation continued in the lead up to the Belfast (or Good Friday) Agreement of 1998.

For decades, students of Queen’s University held an admiration for Nelson Mandela.  Mandela taught us to turn the other cheek and to respect our opponents.  He taught us the true meaning of peace and reconciliation; lessons that are as relevant as ever in the Northern Ireland of today. We remember his long walk to freedom and we reflect upon the life of a legend who embodied charisma, leadership and humility.  We say farewell to an icon who led with a good head and a good heart, who inspired generations at Queen’s and beyond, and who sought to preach of the powerful influence of education in changing the world around us.

On the passing of Nelson Mandela, Connor Daly, Vice President Campaigns and Communications at Queen’s Students’ Union said: “In saying farewell to Nelson Mandela, we do so to an icon who inspired millions right across the globe. Speaking as a young person, Mandela‘s principles and values, and his compassion and willingness to always do the right thing will always inspire me.”

Vice President Equality and Diversity Caoímhe McNeill added: “Nelson Mandela will forever continue to symbolise courage, respect, and an unending passion for a better world.  We mourn the loss of a hero but we remember a man who endured decades of abuse and imprisonment before walking free without bitterness and hatred.  This weekend, we remember how, despite past hatreds and grievances, we really can learn to love, for in the words of Mandela “loves comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”