Nelson Mandela

Anti-apartheid activist, politician, philanthropist, President of South Africa

South African Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa

Quick Info

ProfessionAnti-apartheid activist, politician, philanthropist, President of South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Date of Birth18/07/1918
Age95 years (died on 05, Dec, 2013)
BirthplaceMvezo, Transkei, South Africa
Date of Death05/12/2013

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Bio/Wiki

Full NameNelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Also Known AsMadiba
SummarySouth 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.

Personal Life

Third WifeGraรงa Machel (married 1998 on his 80th birthday)

Relationships & More

Political AlliesF.W. de Klerk, Oliver Tambo

Family

FatherHendry Mphakanyiswa (Chief Henry Mandela) of the Tembu Tribe

Career

Key Positions
  • President of African National Congress (1991)
  • President of South Africa (1994-1999)
  • Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement (1998-1999)
Major Campaigns
  • 1952 Defiance Campaign (National Volunteer-in-Chief)
  • 1955 Congress of the People
  • 1961 National workers' strike
Imprisonment1962-1990 (28 years total, including Robben Island Prison 1964-1982)
Key Achievements
  • Led transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy
  • Established Truth and Reconciliation Commission
  • Promoted land reform, poverty reduction, and healthcare expansion
  • Used sports (1995 Rugby World Cup) for racial reconciliation
  • Founded Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (1995)

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
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