In the memory of Nelson Mandela who died of a lung infection on 5 December 2013 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. He was 95 years of age and surrounded by his family.

Nelson Mandela
Photo by Anton Corbijn for L’Uomo Vogue November 2008

Written by Naomi Campbell. Excerpt from L’Uomo Vogue, November 2008

The prison and the enforced solitude. The fisted salute to the cheering crowds when set free in 1990. Nowadays Nelson Mandela continues to be a tireless champion of peace for South Africa and the entire world

On 22nd of June 1990, a month after my 20th birthday, Nelson Mandela, the President of the Anc (African National Congress), came to New York to take part in several fund-raising events. When Mandela arrived with his wife, Winnie, it was like a ray of sunshine appearing to me. I was asked to be a member of the judging panel for Miss World’s contest in 1992, to be held in Lost City, in Africa. I decided I would donate to the Anc all the money I had earned during my stay in Africa, so I announced my decision during my onstage speech. Later, at the end of the event, somebody called and asked me if I wanted to meet President Nelson Mandela. I just could not believe it. I went back to Africa right after Versace’s death, again upon Mandela’s invitation: he was sure that changing life for a while would have done me good. Mandela taught me a lot: to be helpful to others, to be myself, to be proud of myself, to talk about what I see around me, to be honest with myself.

Nelson Mandela and Naomi Campbell
Photo by Tom Munro for L’Uomo Vogue November 2008

source :  Vogue.it

Related articles

• Nelson Mandela, a life in pictures: From prisoner to president (dailymail.co.uk)
• Nelson Mandela: A life in pictures (bbc.co.uk)
• Pictures: Remembering Mandela 1918 – 2013 (newsday.co.zw)
• Nelson Mandela, a life in pictures: From prisoner to president (dailymail.co.uk)