Nelson Mandela Biography

Nelson Mandela's Life

• Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the Transkei, South Africa, as Rolihlahla Mandela, later given the name Nelson by a teacher.
• His father, Henry, was a chief of the Tembu people, and his mother, Nosekeni Fanny, was related to the Tembu royal family.
• After his father's death at age 9, Nelson was looked after by Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the regent of the Tembu.

Education and Career

• Mandela studied law at Fort Hare University, where he met Oliver Tambo, a friend and future partner.
• He left the university in 1939 due to student protests against the university's management.
• He became a lawyer in 1942, and later set up South Africa's first black law firm with Oliver Tambo.

Apartheid and the ANC

• In 1944, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC), which sought equal human rights for black South Africans.
• The South African government introduced apartheid in 1948, a system of segregation and discrimination against non-white people.
• Apartheid forced people to live in separate areas, prohibited interracial marriage, and segregated public facilities, including schools and sports teams.

Struggle for Freedom

• Mandela led young people in the ANC, advocating for their rights and freedoms.
• He spent 27 years in prison (1962-1990) for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government.
• After his release, he worked to achieve human rights and a better future for all South Africans.

Presidency and Legacy

• Mandela became the first black President of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999.
• He is famous for his long fight against bad government and racial prejudice, and for his courage and wisdom in bringing people together to live in peace.
• Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 following a lung illness.