South Africa is the land of peaceful warriors and it is a glory to share their message of peace as a world tour cyclist. Saying peaceful warriors, I literally mean the warriors who fought the war by non violent measures.

Nelson Mandela is the most respected person in South Africa. The Nobel Peace Prize (1993) winner is also an honorable asset to the world. He is a man with a strong compassion, dignity and will power because of which he was successful to establish an equitable world for his people. 28 years of prison did not affect his strength but built him as an advocate for Human right, against poverty and inequality. He was the key to abolish apartheid and develop a peaceful, free society. His step towards social Justice and reducing HIV AIDS is always praised.

Bishop Desmond Tutu used his high profile to campaign for the oppressed. His moral voice to end poverty and Human right abuse has played a vital role in developing equality in South Africa. The Nobel peace prize winner of 1984 played a prominent role against apartheid which formally ended in 1994 after Mandela Elected as the President.

Mandela and Tutu were a part of passive resistance. It is a term that explains non violent methods to government on occupying power, specific laws. Although, plans were made to bomb places of significance to apartheid, but those were always planned to avoid anyone being hurt or killed (nelsonmandela.com). Unexpectedly, the transfer of power was also peaceful.

At the Age of 23 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi went to South Africa. It was the place where the very quiet and shy man transferred to a resilient and potent leader against discrimination. At Pietermaritzburg, Mohandas got the zeal to return to his homeland with an agenda of Non-Violent Protest which I have explained in my previous story.

Mahatma Gandhi coined the term satyagraha to signify his theory and practice of active non violence. He took various steps to uproot British rule from India all of which contain no violence. And of course, he succeeded.

All of the personalities have one thing in Common. They are Peaceful Warriors and they had their inspiration from South Africa. They fought in a war against domination, inequality and apartheid in an utmost peaceful way.

Dalai Lama (14th) and Martin Luther King must not be missed while saying about Peaceful Warriors.

Although I wished to, I didn’t get a chance to meet Mandela or Tutu; I felt my energy boosted just to pedal near the place they live. With the influence they make to the world, I carry some rays of hope in my eyes. I travel in the world they made free for me to travel spreading the message of- PEACE, HARMONY and ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION.

Before leaving South Africa, I am honored to cite the words of Nelson Mandela-

Friends, comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all.

Peace and Harmony,

Furtemba Sherpa