Quick Info
| Profession | Anti-apartheid activist, politician, philanthropist, President of South Africa |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South African |
| Date of Birth | 18/07/1918 |
| Age | 95 years (died on 05, Dec, 2013) |
| Birthplace | Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa |
| Date of Death | 05/12/2013 |
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Madiba |
| Summary | South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who became the first Black president of South Africa (1994-1999). He led the resistance to apartheid and negotiated a peaceful transition to multiracial democracy. |
Educational Qualification(s)
| University of Fort Hare (BA in English and Anthropology) | |
| University of the Witwatersrand (LLB degree) |
Personal Life
| Third Wife | Graça Machel (married 1998 on his 80th birthday) |
|---|---|
| First Wife | Evelyn Ntoko Mase (married 1944, divorced 1957) |
| Second Wife | Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (married 1958, divorced 1996) |
| Children | Thembekile (deceased), Makgatho (deceased), Makaziwe (died as infant), Makaziwe, Maki, Ndabakazi, Zwelidile |
Relationships & More
| Political Allies | F.W. de Klerk, Oliver Tambo |
|---|---|
| Key Mentors | Walter Sisulu, Anton Lembede |
Family
| Father | Hendry Mphakanyiswa (Chief Henry Mandela) of the Tembu Tribe |
|---|---|
| Mother | Nosekeni Fanny (of the Pondo tribe) |
| Siblings | Hayibonke, Mbekelani |
Career
| Key Positions |
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| Major Campaigns |
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| Imprisonment | 1962-1990 (28 years total, including Robben Island Prison 1964-1982) |
| Key Achievements |
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Favourites
| Football (especially Kaizer Chiefs) | |
| Golf | |
| Traditional Tembu music | |
| Bible |
Style Quotient
| Known for wearing 'Madiba shirts' (colorful, patterned shirts) | |
| Signature round glasses | |
| Formal suits during presidency |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Joined African National Congress in 1942 | |
| 2. Formed Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), militant branch of ANC, in 1961 for armed resistance | |
| 3. Sentenced to nine months hard labour (suspended) in 1952 under Suppression of Communism Act | |
| 4. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1963 for sabotage and plotting to overthrow government | |
| 5. Released on 11 February 1990 | |
| 6. Voted for the first time in his life on 27 April 1994 | |
| 7. Declined a second presidential term | |
| 8. Received over 250 international awards | |
| 9. Studied law while in prison | |
| 10. Wrote 'Long Walk to Freedom' autobiography while imprisoned |