In his lifetime, Nelson Mandela achieved almost mystical stature as the liberation hero turned national reconciler who helped transform South Africa from repressive white rule to a vibrant all-race democracy.
But as Los Angeles Times correspondent Robyn Dixon writes, Mandela was never comfortable wearing the mantle of a saint. He could be irritable, stubborn, aloof and was known to flirt with any pretty young woman he met.
The renowned peacemaker also embraced armed struggle to end the racist system of apartheid, persuading the leaders of the African National Congress to abandon their longstanding policy of nonviolence and form a secret military wing.
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As the world tries to understand Mandela’s legacy, we asked followers on Twitter to share their thoughts and memories of a man who was both a great leader and profoundly human.
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