Kgalema Motlanthe vs Qin Shi Huang

Motlanthe joined the ANC and became active in the anti-apartheid struggle. He was arrested and spent 10 years on Robben Island, where he was a political prisoner alongside Nelson Mandela.

Motlanthe was elected Secretary General of the ANC, a key administrative role. He was known for his low-key style and organizational skills, helping to manage the party's internal affairs.

Motlanthe was appointed Deputy President by President Thabo Mbeki after the dismissal of Jacob Zuma. He served in this role until 2008, handling day-to-day government operations.

Motlanthe became President of South Africa after Thabo Mbeki's resignation, serving as an interim leader until the 2009 elections. He oversaw a stable transition and was praised for his calm leadership.

Qin Shi Huang commissioned a vast mausoleum complex near Xi'an, guarded by thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. The project employed hundreds of thousands of workers and reflected his obsession with immortality and imperial power.

From 230 to 221 BCE, Ying Zheng led the Qin state in a series of campaigns that conquered the Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi states. This unified China under a single ruler for the first time, ending the Warring States period.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the standardization of Chinese script, currency, and weights and measures across the unified empire. This facilitated administration, trade, and cultural integration, laying a foundation for future dynasties.

After conquering the last independent state, Ying Zheng declared himself Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), founding the Qin Dynasty. He adopted a new title to signify his supreme authority and initiated centralized imperial rule.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the connection and extension of existing northern fortifications to create a unified defensive wall against nomadic Xiongnu raids. This project involved massive conscripted labor and became the precursor to the later Great Wall.

On the advice of Li Si, Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of historical records and philosophical texts not aligned with Legalist doctrine. He also had 460 Confucian scholars buried alive to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control.