Nelson Mandela was an iconic figure in the fight against Apartheid, a system of racial segregation in South Africa, and he served as the first black President of the country from 1994 to 1999. Here is detailed information about his life, political activism, imprisonment, and legacy:
Born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela was named Rolihlahla Mandela at birth. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, was a chief and councilor to the Thembu royal family. After his father's death, Mandela was sent to live with the Thembu regent, where he received a formal education. He attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and later Healdtown Comprehensive School. In 1939, he enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, where he was expelled for joining a student protest. He later completed his degree through correspondence courses and started law studies at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943, where he helped form the ANC Youth League with other activists like Oliver Tambo. He was instrumental in transforming the ANC into a mass movement with a clear program of action against Apartheid. In 1952, Mandela and Tambo opened the first black law firm in South Africa, providing legal aid to many facing discrimination.
In 1960, after the Sharpeville massacre where 69 protesters were killed, the government banned the ANC. Mandela went underground, organizing guerrilla training in other African countries. In 1962, he was arrested for inciting workers' strikes and leaving the country without a passport. In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage and attempting to overthrow the government. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most notably on Robben Island, where he was subjected to hard labor and harsh conditions. His imprisonment became an international symbol of the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Due to international pressure, F.W. de Klerk, the last white president of South Africa, released Mandela in February 1990. Mandela played a pivotal role in the negotiations to end Apartheid and establish a multiracial democracy. In 1994, in the first fully democratic election, Mandela was elected President. His presidency focused on reconciliation, addressing the legacy of Apartheid, and promoting national unity.
Mandela retired from politics in 1999 but continued to influence global human rights and peace efforts. He established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation to promote education and leadership. His efforts were recognized worldwide, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, shared with F.W. de Klerk.
Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality. His life and work are celebrated annually on Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on his birthday, July 18.