Legacies, ancient as time itself, are passed down through
generations—from the noble legacies of humanitarian efforts to the infamous
pursuits of global domination. They are shaped in the present by our actions,
values, and choices. The truth is simple yet profound: if we hope to carry our
legacies into tomorrow, we must sustain them today. We should remember that the
legacy we preserve will define how we are remembered and not serve as some
distant reward waiting in the “Autumn of the Winter” of our lives.
The
Power of a Positive Legacy
Nelson Mandela
One cannot dispute the lasting legacy than that of Nelson Mandela, who left behind a legacy of peace, reconciliation, and unbreakable spirit. Despite enduring 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged not with bitterness but with a resolve to unite a fractured South Africa. His presidency from 1994 to 1999 marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic society based on equality (Sampson, 2011).
“We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.” Nelson Mandela
Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the
Givers Foundation is one of South Africa’s biggest forces for good. Started in
1992 by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the organisation is known for quickly showing up
when disaster strikes, whether it’s floods, fires or the COVID-19 pandemic
(Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date; Direct Relief, 2021). What makes it
special is that it’s proudly South African but helps people all over the world,
from Syria to Malawi (Gift of the Givers Foundation, 2025). Researchers say its
independence from politics helps it act faster than many government agencies
(Atlantic Philanthropies, 2008). Its legacy is clear: “South Africans don’t
just wait for help — they lead it.”
“Our mission is to provide relief for those who need it
most. We work with different organizations to ensure that vulnerable people and
communities get relief.” Gift of the Givers
Clearly a legacy built on integrity and purpose not only lives
on but is an inspiration to all of us. Mandela’s commitment to justice and Gift
of the Givers ongoing pledge to community solidarity. Meaning that their
legacies were not and are not by chance but intentional.
THIS SPACE IS
RESERVED FOR OUR LEGACY!
The Burden of a Negative Legacy
The Apartheid Era Legacy
A legacy which serves as a lesson of caution is that of the dark legacy of apartheid-era leadership. Figures who upheld and enforced systems of racial oppression may have held power in their time, but their legacies remain associated with injustice, division, and pain. Their decisions left wounds that continue to shape social and economic realities today (Thompson, 2001).
The main lesson is that harmful actions, like violence or
unfair leadership, can leave long-lasting damage for future generations. Trust,
fairness, and unity are important to prevent these lasting problems (Thompson,
2001).
“The history of apartheid-era South Africa is incredibly sad
and at times infuriatingly incomprehensible.” H. Rollins
THIS SPACE COULD BE RESERVED FOR OUR LEGACY!
Legacies are a Living Work
Whether one aspires to be remembered as a visionary leader, philanthropist, academic, clergy, caregiver, white- or blue-collar worker, legacy-building happens in the present. It is reflected in how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, how we keep our word, and how we uplift those around us.
Former President
Thabo Mbeki captured this generational responsibility in his famous “I Am an
African” speech, reminding South Africans that nation-building is a duty handed
from one generation to the next: “We must act together to build a society that
our children will be proud to inherit” (Mbeki, 1996). His words emphasise that
a legacy must not just be received, but be strengthened and advanced for our
generations that follow.
What Will You Be Remembered For?
If you want to be remembered in a positive way, you need to
live with purpose and intention today. Protect your integrity and serve others
with pride (Khoza, 2019).
If we are to be judged by history then the choice becomes
more apparent. The kind of legacy we leave behind is our choice, then again, it
always was.
References
Atlantic Philanthropies, 2008. A case study of Gift of
the Givers Foundation. Available at: https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/12_Gift_of_the_givers_c.pdf (Accessed:
20 October 2025).
Direct Relief, 2021. South African Nonprofit Helps With
Pandemic Across Societal Needs. Available at: https://www.directrelief.org/2021/03/south-african-nonprofit-helps-with-pandemic-across-societal-needs/ (Accessed:
20 October 2025).
Gift of the Givers Foundation, 2025. Serving Humanity —
Gift of the Givers Foundation. Available at: https://giftofthegivers.org/ (Accessed:
20 October 2025).
Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date. About Us / Our
Inspiration. Available at: https://giftofthegivers.org/about-us-3/ (Accessed:
20 October 2025).
Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date. Our mission is to
provide relief for those who need it most. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/GiftoftheGivers/posts/our-mission-is-to-provide-relief-for-those-who-need-it-most-we-work-with-differe/2233862863427830/
(Accessed: 20 October 2025).
Jackson, T. (2019) Everyday Ethics and Personal
Legacy. Cape Town: Juta.
Khoza, R. (2019) Attuned Leadership: African
Humanism as Compass. Johannesburg: Pan Macmillan.
Mandela, N., 1994. Speech on the occasion of the
inauguration of the first democratic government. Pretoria:
Government of South Africa.
Mbeki, T. (1996) I Am an African.
Speech delivered at the adoption of the Republic of South Africa Constitution
Bill, Cape Town, 8 May.
Moyo, T. (2021) ‘Community, character and legacy: Building
impact beyond the self’, Journal of African Leadership
Studies, 7(2), pp. 45–53.
Rollins, H., no date. The history of apartheid-era South
Africa is incredibly sad and at times infuriatingly incomprehensible.
Available at: https://quotefancy.com/quote/965756/Henry-Rollins-The-history-of-apartheid-era-South-Africa-is-incredibly-sad-and-at-times
(Accessed: 20 October 2025).
Sampson, A. (2011) Mandela: The Authorized Biography.
London: Harper Perennial.
Thompson, L. (2001) A History of South Africa. New
Haven: Yale University Press.
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