Biography Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as the country's first black president from 1994 to 1999. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his role in ending South African apartheid and establishing a democratic, multiracial government. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to apartheid and was released in 1990. He went on to lead negotiations that resulted in the end of apartheid and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Throughout his life, Mandela was a symbol of peace, reconciliation and human rights and remained a revered figure in South Africa and around the world until his death in 2013.

Short Bio of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician. Born in 1918, he gained a law degree from the University of Witwatersrand and became active in the ANC, working against racial inequality and injustice in South Africa. In 1956, he was arrested and charged with treason, but acquitted in 1961. He then formed the armed resistance movement Umkhonto we Sizwe and was arrested again in 1963, convicted of plotting to overthrow the government, and sentenced to life in prison. Despite this, he continued to inspire others through his speeches and writings, and became a symbol of resistance against apartheid. He was finally released in 1990, and went on to become the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999. He died in 2013 at the age of 95.

Closing remark at the 1964 trial

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 and was held at Robben Island Prison until 1981. Despite harsh conditions, he formed strong bonds with other political prisoners and guards. He used his time in prison to educate himself and stay physically fit. He also developed an interest in rugby, which helped him understand the passion Afrikaners had for the sport. Mandela considered his years in prison as a period of learning, even though it was difficult.

Time in Prison

After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela was finally released on February 11, 1990. The release of Mandela, who had become the most famous political prisoner in the world, was seen as a turning point in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Mandela's release led to negotiations between the ANC and the apartheid government, and in 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, with Mandela being elected as the country's first black president.

Freedom and a new Rainbow Nation

Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after serving 27 years for his anti-apartheid activism. Following negotiations, South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994 and the ANC, led by Mandela, won with 65% of the vote. Mandela became the country's first black president and sought to heal the divisions of apartheid through his magnanimous approach and the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. In 1995, he played a role in the support of the previously reviled national rugby team, the Springboks, who went on to win the Rugby World Cup. Mandela retired from the presidency in 1999 and in his later years, he was an advocate for peace and spoke out against the Iraq invasion and the issue of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. He was married three times and had six children and 17 grandchildren. Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95. He is remembered as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.