Here is a comprehensive biography of Nelson Mandela, one of the most iconic leaders in modern history:
Full Name:
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Birth & Death:
- Born: July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Died: December 5, 2013, in Johannesburg, South Africa (aged 95)
Early Life & Heritage
- Born into the Thembu royal family, Mandela was given the Xhosa forename “Rolihlahla”, meaning “pulling the branch of a tree”, or colloquially, “troublemaker”.
- His father was a local chief, and after his father’s death, Mandela was raised by a royal guardian.
Education
- Studied at University College of Fort Hare (expelled for student protest)
- Later completed a law degree at the University of South Africa
- Became one of South Africa’s first Black lawyers
Political Activism Begins
- Joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944
- Co-founded the ANC Youth League (ANCYL)
- Advocated nonviolent protest against apartheid policies
Apartheid and Resistance
- In the 1950s, Mandela organized Defiance Campaigns and helped draft the Freedom Charter
- In 1961, co-founded the armed wing of the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe, after peaceful resistance proved ineffective
- Arrested and convicted of sabotage in the Rivonia Trial
Imprisonment (1962–1990)
- Spent 27 years in prison, mostly on Robben Island
- Became a global symbol of resistance
- His imprisonment drew international condemnation of apartheid
- Released on February 11, 1990, by President F.W. de Klerk
Path to Democracy
- Negotiated the end of apartheid with de Klerk
- Helped draft a new democratic constitution
- In 1993, jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk
Presidency (1994–1999)
- In 1994, became South Africa’s first Black President in the country’s first multiracial elections
- Focused on national reconciliation, racial unity, and building democratic institutions
- Promoted Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal national wounds
- Voluntarily stepped down after one term
Legacy & Global Influence
- Founded The Nelson Mandela Foundation
- Campaigned for HIV/AIDS awareness, human rights, and peace
- Revered worldwide for leadership, forgiveness, and integrity
Honors & Awards
- Nobel Peace Prize (1993)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)
- Order of Lenin (Russia)
- Honored with statues, streets, and awards worldwide
- His birthday, July 18, is celebrated as “Nelson Mandela International Day”
Personal Life
- Married three times:
- Evelyn Mase (first wife)
- Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (anti-apartheid activist)
- Graça Machel (widow of Mozambican president Samora Machel)
- Fathered six children
Autobiography:
“Long Walk to Freedom” – published in 1994, tells the story of his life in his own words.
Final Words
“I have walked that long road to freedom… But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities.”
Mandela died in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of peace, justice, and resilience.