Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela entered the world on the 18th of July 1918 in the village of Mvezo, South Africa. He was born into the Thembu royal family, a lineage tracing back to his great-grandfather Ngubengcuka, who ruled the Thembu Kingdom. His father Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa served as a local chief and councillor to the monarch until he lost his position in 1926 due to accusations of corruption. Young Nelson grew up in the village of Qunu with two sisters, tending herds as a cattle-boy while spending time outside with other boys. Both parents were illiterate, yet his mother sent him to a local Methodist school at age seven. There he received the English name Nelson from his teacher, though his birth name Rolihlahla meant troublemaker in Xhosa. After his father died when he was nine, Mandela felt cut adrift but inherited what he called his father's proud rebelliousness and stubborn sense of fairness. He was then taken to the Great Place palace at Mqhekezweni under the guardianship of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo. The regent and his wife treated him as their own child, raising him alongside their biological children. Mandela attended church services every Sunday with them, making Christianity a significant part of his life. He studied English, Xhosa, history and geography at a Methodist mission school next to the palace. Listening to tales told by elderly visitors to the palace, he developed a love of African history. At sixteen, he underwent the ulwaluko circumcision ritual that marked his transition from boyhood to manhood. Afterwards he received the name Dalibunga.
Mandela began studying law at the University of the Witwatersrand where he stood alone as the only black African student facing daily racism. He befriended liberal and communist European, Jewish and Indian students including Joe Slovo and Ruth First. In August 1943 he marched in support of a successful bus boycott to reverse fare rises. Joining the ANC in 1943, he became increasingly influenced by Walter Sisulu, spending time with other activists at Sisulu's Orlando house. That same year he met Anton Lembede, an ANC member affiliated with the Africanist branch of nationalism which opposed racially united fronts against colonialism. Despite friendships with non-blacks and communists, Mandela embraced Lembede's views believing black Africans should be entirely independent in their struggle for political self-determination. The African National Congress Youth League formed on Easter Sunday 1944 in the Bantu Men's Social Centre with Lembede as president and Mandela as executive committee member. In October 1944 he married Evelyn Mase, a trainee nurse and ANC activist from Engcobo. Their first child Madiba Thembi Thembekile was born in February 1945. A daughter Makaziwe followed in 1947 but died of meningitis nine months later. By July 1947 his three years of articles ended at Witkin Sidelsky and Eidelman law firm where he had worked since arriving in Johannesburg in April 1941. He decided to become a full-time student subsisting on loans from the Bantu Welfare Trust. In December 1947 he supported an unsuccessful measure to expel communists from the ANCYL considering their ideology un-African. When Ramohanoe acted against the wishes of the committee by cooperating with Indians and communists, Mandela forced his resignation. In the South African general election of 1948 only whites were permitted to vote. The Afrikaner-dominated Herenigde Nasionale Party under Daniel François Malan took power soon uniting with the Afrikaner Party to form the National Party. This openly racialist party codified and expanded racial segregation with new apartheid legislation.
After taking part in the unsuccessful protest to prevent forced relocation of all black people from Sophiatown suburb of Johannesburg in February 1955, Mandela concluded violent action would prove necessary to end apartheid. On his advice Sisulu requested weaponry from People's Republic of China which was denied though they believed movement insufficiently prepared for guerrilla warfare. With involvement of South African Indian Congress Coloured People's Congress South African Congress of Trade Unions and Congress of Democrats ANC planned Congress of the People calling on all South Africans to send proposals for post-apartheid era. Based on responses Freedom Charter drafted by Rusty Bernstein called for creation democratic non-racialist state with nationalisation major industry. Charter adopted June 1955 conference Kliptown forcibly closed down police. Tenets remained important for Mandela who described it as inspiration to people of South Africa in 1956. Following second ban September 1955 he went working holiday Transkei discuss implications Bantu Authorities Act 1951 local Xhosa chiefs visiting mother Noengland before proceeding Cape Town. March 1956 received third ban public appearances restricting him Johannesburg five years often defied it. Marriage broke down Evelyn left taking children live brother. Initiating divorce proceedings May 1956 claimed Mandela physically abused her; he denied allegations fought custody. She withdrew petition November but Mandela filed January 1958 finalised March children placed Evelyn care. During proceedings began courting social worker Winnie Madikizela married Bizana June 1958 later involved ANC activities spending weeks prison. Together had two children Zenani born February 1959 Zindziswa 1960-2020. December 1956 arrested alongside most ANC national executive accused high treason against state held Johannesburg Prison amid mass protests underwent preparatory examination granted bail. Defence refutation began January 1957 overseen defence lawyer Vernon Berrangé continued until case adjourned September. January 1958 Oswald Pirow appointed prosecute case February judge ruled sufficient reason defendants go trial Transvaal Supreme Court. Formal Treason Trial began Pretoria August 1958 defendants successfully applied have three judges all linked governing National Party replaced. April 1959 Africanists dissatisfied ANC united front approach founded Pan-Africanist Congress PAC disagreed with racially exclusionary views describing them immature naïve. Both parties took part anti-pass campaign early 1960 Africans burned passes legally obliged carry. One PAC-organised demonstrations fired upon police resulting deaths 69 protesters Sharpeville massacre incident brought international condemnation government resulted rioting throughout South Africa Mandela publicly burning pass solidarity. Responding unrest government implemented state emergency measures declaring martial law banning ANC PAC March arrested Mandela other activists imprisoning five months without charge unsanitary conditions Pretoria Local prison.
On the 5th of August 1962 police captured Mandela along fellow activist Cecil Williams near Howick. Many MK members suspected authorities tipped off regarding whereabouts though gave ideas little credence. Jailed Johannesburg's Marshall Square charged inciting workers strikes leaving country permission. Representing self Slovo legal advisor intended use trial showcase ANC moral opposition racism while supporters demonstrated outside court. Moved Pretoria Winnie visit began correspondence studies Bachelor Laws LLB degree University London International Programmes. Hearing October disrupted proceedings wearing traditional kaross refusing call witnesses turning plea mitigation political speech. Found guilty sentenced five years imprisonment left courtroom supporters sang Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika. November 1963 police raided Liliesleaf Farm arresting found uncovering paperwork documenting MK activities some mentioning Mandela. Rivonia Trial began Pretoria Supreme Court October with Mandela comrades charged four counts sabotage conspiracy violently overthrow government chief prosecutor Percy Yutar. Judge Quartus de Wet soon threw prosecution case insufficient evidence Yutar reformulated charges presenting new case December 1963 February 1964 calling 173 witnesses bringing thousands documents photographs trial. Four accused denied involvement MK Mandela other five admitted sabotage denied agreed initiate guerrilla war against government used trial highlight political cause opening defence proceedings gave three-hour I Am Prepared to Die speech inspired Castro History Will Absolve Me widely reported press despite official censorship. Speech polished edited Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer South African Jewish novelist British journalist Anthony Sampson both cherished ideal democratic free society following Mandela direction. Trial gained international attention global calls release accused United Nations World Peace Council University London Union voted Mandela presidency. June 1964 justice De Wet found Mandela two co-accused guilty all four charges though prosecution called death sentence applied judge instead condemned life imprisonment. In 1964 transferred Pretoria prison Robben Island remaining next 18 years isolated non-political prisoners Section B imprisoned damp concrete cell measuring straw mat sleep. Verbally physically harassed several white prison wardens spent days breaking rocks gravel reassigned January 1965 work lime quarry initially forbidden wear sunglasses glare lime permanently damaged eyesight. Night worked LLB degree obtaining University London through correspondence course Wolsey Hall Oxford newspapers forbidden locked solitary confinement several occasions possession smuggled news clippings.
Newly elected National Assembly first act formally elect Mandela South Africa's first black chief executive inauguration took place Pretoria the 10th of May 1994 televised billion viewers globally event attended four thousand guests including world leaders wide range geographic ideological backgrounds. Mandela headed Government National Unity dominated ANC which no experience governing itself containing representatives National Party Inkatha. Under Interim Constitution Inkatha National Party entitled seats government virtue winning at least 20 seats. Keeping earlier agreements de Klerk Thabo Mbeki given position Deputy President. Although Mbeki not first choice job grew rely heavily throughout presidency allowing shape policy details. Moving presidential office Tuynhuys Cape Town allowed de Klerk retain presidential residence Groote Schuur estate instead settling nearby Westbrooke manor renamed Genadendal meaning Valley Mercy Afrikaans. Retaining Houghton home also had house built home village Qunu visited regularly meeting locals judging tribal disputes. Aged 76 faced various ailments exhibiting continued energy felt isolated lonely often entertained celebrities Michael Jackson Whoopi Goldberg Spice Girls befriended wealthy businessmen Harry Oppenheimer Anglo American. Also met Queen Elizabeth II March 1995 state visit earned strong criticism ANC anti-capitalists. Despite opulent surroundings lived simply donating third R 552,000 annual income Nelson Mandela Children's Fund founded 1995. Dismantling press censorship speaking favour freedom press befriending many journalists critical much country media noting overwhelmingly owned run middle-class whites believing focused too heavily scaremongering crime. December 1994 published Long Walk to Freedom autobiography based manuscript written prison augmented interviews conducted American journalist Richard Stengel. Late 1994 attended 49th conference ANC Bloemfontein militant national executive elected including wife Winnie though expressed interest reconciling Nelson initiated divorce proceedings August 1995. By 1995 entered relationship Graça Machel Mozambican political activist 27 years junior widow former president Samora Machel. First met July 1990 still mourning friendship grew partnership accompanying foreign visits turned down first marriage proposal wanting retain independence dividing time Maputo Johannesburg.
Mandela became elder statesman focused combating poverty HIV/AIDS through charitable Nelson Mandela Foundation. Globally regarded icon moral leadership peace democracy social justice received more than 250 honours including Nobel Peace Prize held deep respect within South Africa often referred Thembu clan name Madiba described Father Nation. Widely considered one greatest most admired figures 20th century. International influence as mediator Pan Am Flight 103 bombing trial served secretary-general Non-Aligned Movement 1998-1999. Declined second presidential term succeeded deputy Thabo Mbeki. Controversial figure much life critics right denounced communist terrorist those far left deemed eager negotiate reconcile apartheid supporters gained international acclaim activism. In July 1980 slogan Free Mandela developed journalist Percy Qoboza sparking international campaign led UN Security Council call release. Despite increasing foreign pressure government refused relying Cold War allies US president Ronald Reagan British prime minister Margaret Thatcher both considered ANC terrorist organisation sympathetic communism supported suppression. Pollsmoor Prison conditions better Robben Island though missed camaraderie scenery island. Getting well commanding officer Brigadier Munro permitted create roof garden read voraciously corresponded widely now permitted 52 letters year appointed patron multi-racial United Democratic Front UDF founded combat reforms implemented South African president P W Botha. Botha National Party government permitted Coloured Indian citizens vote own parliaments control education health housing black Africans excluded system. Like Mandela UDF saw attempt divide anti-apartheid movement racial lines. Early 1980s witnessed escalation violence across country many predicted civil war accompanied economic stagnation various multinational banks under pressure international lobby stopped investing South Africa. Numerous banks Thatcher asked Botha release Mandela then height international fame defuse volatile situation. Considering dangerous arch-Marxist offered February 1985 release prison if unconditionally rejected violence political weapon spurned statement through daughter Zindzi stating What freedom offered while organisation people ANC remains banned? Only free men negotiate prisoner enter contracts.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When and where was Nelson Mandela born?
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela entered the world on the 18th of July 1918 in the village of Mvezo, South Africa. He was born into the Thembu royal family as the son of Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa.
What year did Nelson Mandela become President of South Africa?
The newly elected National Assembly formally elected Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first black chief executive with an inauguration that took place in Pretoria on the 10th of May 1994. This televised event was watched by a billion viewers globally and attended by four thousand guests including world leaders.
How long was Nelson Mandela imprisoned before his release?
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being captured on the 5th of August 1962 near Howick. He remained incarcerated for 18 years on Robben Island from June 1964 until his eventual release following negotiations in the early 1990s.
Which organization did Nelson Mandela join to fight apartheid?
Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1943 where he became increasingly influenced by Walter Sisulu. He later formed part of the ANC Youth League which officially formed on Easter Sunday 1944 in the Bantu Men's Social Centre.
When did Nelson Mandela receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
Nelson Mandela received more than 250 honours during his lifetime including the Nobel Peace Prize though the script does not specify the exact year of this award. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures of the 20th century for his moral leadership and peace efforts.