Nelson Mandela

Young Mandela

Mandela e Evelyn 1944

Flag of the African National Congress

The Nelson Mandela House

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Mandela was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

Early Life

Nelson Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, then part of South Africa's Cape Province. Given the forename Rolihlahla, a Xhosa term colloquially meaning "troublemaker", in later years he became known by his clan name, Madiba. His patrilineal great-grandfather, Ngubengcuka, was king of the Thembu people in the Transkeian Territories of South Africa's modern Eastern Cape province. Mandela was educated at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand where he studied law.

Anti-apartheid Movement

Mandela became involved in anti-colonial politics, joining the ANC and becoming a founding member of its Youth League. Over the decades, he played a significant role in many anti-apartheid activities, including the 1952 Defiance Campaign and the 1955 Congress of the People. He was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for seditious activities and, in 1962, was sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the state following the Rivonia Trial.

Imprisonment

Mandela spent 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison, and Victor Verster Prison. Amid growing domestic and international pressure, and with fears of a racial civil war, President F.W. de Klerk released him in 1990. Mandela and de Klerk led efforts to negotiate an end to apartheid, which resulted in the 1994 multi-racial general election in which Mandela led the ANC to victory and became President.

Presidency and Later Life

As president, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses. His administration introduced measures to encourage land reform, combat poverty, and expand healthcare services. He declined to run for a second term and was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki. Mandela became an elder statesman and focused on charitable work in combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Death and Legacy

Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 after suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, or as Tata ("Father"), and described as the "Father of the Nation". Mandela's legacy includes his contributions to the struggle against apartheid, his leadership in Africa, and his activism in promoting peace, reconciliation, and social justice worldwide.