Chuka Umunna MP

Former South African President and freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, is 90 years old today. The man needs no introduction whatsoever. In my view he is one of the greatest living men alive today. He provides an example to anyone wanting to get involved in politics, who is keen to make positive change and improve the lives of those in their community.

I remember, as a teenager, going down and standing along Brixton Station Road outside the Recreation Centre to greet Mandela on his historic visit to Brixton on 12 July 1996. The excitement and energy that swirled around his visit was incredible – I have not seen anything like it on the streets of Brixton since! You can watch ITN’s coverage of that 1996 visit here; there is also a New York Times article here.  (For those who don’t know, “Madiba” is Mandela’s clan name by which he is affectionately known by his tribe in South Africa.)