Nelson Mandela

About

Nelson Mandela was a pivotal figure in South Africa's fight against apartheid. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, he became involved in anti-apartheid activism early in his life. Mandela studied law and joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, quickly rising to prominence. He co-founded the ANC's Youth League and later became involved in more militant activities, co-founding Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC. This led to his arrest in 1962 and subsequent life imprisonment for treason and sabotage. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, but his release in 1990 marked a significant shift. He worked with President F.W. de Klerk to dismantle apartheid, leading to South Africa's first multiracial democratic election in 1994, where he became the country's first black president. Mandela's presidency focused on reconciliation and addressing the legacy of apartheid. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and promoted policies to improve living standards for all South Africans. Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and became an international icon of democracy and social justice. He retired from politics in 1999 and continued to advocate for human rights until his death on December 5, 2013.