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Nelson Mandela
Historical Figures
Nelson Mandela
The anti-apartheid leader who served as the first black president of South Africa.
Born
1918
Died
2013
Nationality
South African
Profession
Politician
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 11 key moments that shaped Nelson Mandela's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1918
1918-07-18
Birth
Born in Mveso, Transkei
•Age 0•Mveso, Transkei, South Africa
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born to Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa and Nosekeni Fanny in Mveso, a small village in the Transkei region of South Africa. His father was a chief and counselor to the Thembu royal family.
1939
Education
Enrolled at University College of Fort Hare
•Age 21•Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Mandela began his higher education at the University College of Fort Hare, the only residential college for Black people in South Africa. He studied law and became involved in student politics, leading to his expulsion for participating in a protest.
1941
Career
Moved to Johannesburg
•Age 23•Johannesburg, South Africa
After being expelled from Fort Hare, Mandela moved to Johannesburg to avoid an arranged marriage. He worked as a night watchman and later as a law clerk, while completing his bachelor's degree through correspondence with the University of South Africa.
1944
Personal
Married Evelyn Ntoko Mase
•Age 26•Johannesburg, South Africa
Mandela married his first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase, a nurse and social worker. They had four children together but later divorced in 1958 due to political differences and personal tensions.
1944
Career
Joined the African National Congress (ANC)
•Age 26•Johannesburg, South Africa
Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political party that aimed to end apartheid and achieve racial equality in South Africa. He soon became a founding member of the ANC Youth League, which sought to radicalize the organization.
1952
Milestone
Launched the Defiance Campaign
•Age 34•Johannesburg, South Africa
Mandela and other ANC leaders launched the Defiance Campaign, a non-violent protest against apartheid laws. He was arrested and sentenced to nine months of hard labor, suspended for two years, for his role in organizing the campaign.
1962
Milestone
Arrested and Imprisoned
•Age 44•Pretoria, South Africa
Mandela was arrested and charged with inciting workers to strike and leaving the country without a passport. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but during his trial, additional charges of sabotage were added, leading to a life sentence.
1990
Milestone
Released from Prison
•Age 71•Cape Town, South Africa
After 27 years in prison, Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. His release was a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid, symbolizing the beginning of the end for the oppressive regime.
1994
Achievement
Elected First Black President of South Africa
•Age 75•Pretoria, South Africa
Mandela was elected as the first Black president of South Africa in the country's first fully democratic elections. His presidency marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of racial reconciliation and democracy.
1999
Career
Stepped Down as President
•Age 80•Pretoria, South Africa
After serving one term as president, Mandela stepped down from office, choosing not to run for re-election. He continued to work for peace and social justice through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
2013
2013-12-05
Death
Passed Away in Johannesburg
•Age 95•Johannesburg, South Africa
Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013, at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, after a long illness. His death was mourned worldwide, and he was remembered as a symbol of resilience, forgiveness, and hope.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Nelson Mandela a legendary figure.
1
Anti-apartheid movement
2
First black President of South Africa
3
Nobel Peace Prize
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Cultural & Historical Context
South African
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