NELSON MANDELA

*Nelson Mandela – Biography

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Introduction
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) was a South African anti‑apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who became the first Black president of South Africa (1994‑1999). His lifelong struggle against racial segregation, his steadfast commitment to reconciliation, and his embodiment of forgiveness turned him into a global symbol of peace, justice, and resilience.

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Early Life (1918 – 1940)
*Birth & Family*
- Born *18 July 1918* in *Mvezo*, a village in the U Mhlobo Wenxa district of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Father *Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa*, a Tembu chief; mother *Nosekeni Fanny*, a Methodist.
- Given the name *Rolihlahla* (“troublemaker” in Xhosa); later called *Nelson* by his teacher at the Methodist mission school.

*Education*
- Attended *Clarkebury Boarding Institute* and *Healdtown*, then *Fort Hare University* (1939), where he studied law and met lifelong friends, including *Oliver Tambo*. Expelled after protesting a student boycott.

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Political Awakdown (1940 – 1960)
*Move to Johannesburg*
- Arrived 1941, worked as a clerk and night watchman, later articled at *Witwatersrand University* (law).
- Joined the *African National Congress (ANC)* in 1944, co‑founding its *Youth League (ANCYL)* with Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and others.

*Defiance Campaign (1952)*
- Organized nationwide civil disobedience against *Pass Laws*.
- Arrested for the first time; sentenced to nine months (suspended).

*Freedom Charter (1955)*
- Attended the *Congress of the People*, adopting the Charter that declared equality for all races.

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Turn to Armed Struggle (1960 – 1964)
*Sharpeville Massacre (21 Mar 1960)* – 69 protesters killed; ANC banned.
- Mandela helped form *Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK)*, the armed wing of ANC, adopting sabotage to pressure the government.

*Rivonia Trial (1963‑1964)*
- Arrested 5 Aug 1962 (already in prison for 5‑year sentence).
- Charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the state.
- Delivered the iconic *“I am prepared to die”* speech (20 Apr 1964).
- *Sentenced to life imprisonment* (Robben Island, 1964).

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27 Years in Prison (1964 – 1990)
*Robben Island (1964‑1982)* – Hard labor in a limestone quarry; Mandela kept morale through study, discussion, and exercise.
*Pollsmoor (1982‑1988)*, *Victor Verster (1988‑1990)* – Conditions eased; secret talks with government began.

- Refused conditional release (1976 Soweto Uprising).
- Became a *global symbol of resistance*; *“Free Nelson Mandela”* became an international chant.

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Negotiations & Release (1990 – 1994)
*2 Feb 1990* – President *F. W. de Klerk* unbanned ANC and released Mandela after 27 years.
- First public appearance on *11 Feb 1990* from the balcony of *City Hall, Cape Town*.
- Engaged in *CODESA talks* (1991‑1993) with de Klerk, leading to an interim constitution.

*1993 Nobel Peace Prize* (shared with de Klerk).

*1994 Democratic Elections* – 27 Apr 1994, Mandela voted for the first time; ANC won 62 % of votes.

*10 May 1994* – Inaugurated as *President of South Africa*, serving until 1999.

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Presidency (1994 – 1999)
*Reconciliation & Nation‑Building*
- Established the *Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)* (1996) chaired by *Desmond Tutu*.
- Promoted *“Rainbow Nation”* vision of unity.

*Economic Policies*
- *Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)* – housing, water, electricity.
- *Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR)* – market‑oriented reforms (criticized for slow poverty reduction).

*Constitution (1996)* – Enshrined equality, socio‑economic rights, and Bill of Rights.

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Post‑Presidency & Global Icon
- *Retirement* – Focused on *The Elders*, *Mandela Foundation*, HIV/AIDS advocacy (son *Makgatho* died of AIDS in 2005).
- *International Diplomacy* – Mediator in Burundi, DRC conflicts; champion of *anti‑poverty*, *education*, and *health* initiatives.