Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
*Early Life (1918-1944)*
Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa, Mandela was the son of Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, a chief of the Thembu tribe, and Nosekeni Fanny Mandela. He was raised in a traditional Xhosa family and attended Methodist school.
*Education and Early Activism (1944-1962)*
Mandela studied law at the University of Fort Hare and later at the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944 and co-founded the ANC Youth League.
*Anti-Apartheid Movement (1962-1990)*
In 1962, Mandela was arrested and charged with high treason. After a four-year trial, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela became an international symbol of resistance against apartheid.
*Release and Presidency (1990-1999)*
Released from prison in 1990, Mandela led the ANC in negotiations with the government. In 1994, he became the first black president of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999.
*Key Achievements:*
1. Ended apartheid and established democracy in South Africa
2. Promoted reconciliation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
3. Improved living standards and access to education and healthcare
4. Established the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote social justice
*Personal Life*
Mandela married:
1. Evelyn Ntoko Mase (1944-1958)
2. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1958-1996)
3. Graça Machel (1998-2013)
He had six children.
*Awards and Recognition:*
1. Nobel Peace Prize (1993)
2. Presidential Medal of Freedom (1998)
3. Order of Lenin (1990)
4. Honorary degrees from over 50 universities
*Later Life and Death (1999-2013)*
After retiring from politics, Mandela focused on philanthropy and humanitarian work. He passed away on December 5, 2013, at 95.
*Legacy:*
Mandela\'s commitment to equality, justice, and forgiveness inspired generations. He remains an iconic figure in the fight against racism and oppression.
*Quotes:*
1. \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.\"
2. \"For to be free is not merely to cast off one\'s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.\"
3. \"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.\"
*Books:*
1. \"Long Walk to Freedom\" (1994)
2. \"Conversations with Myself\" (2010)
3. \"Nelson Mandela By Himself\" (2011)
Mandela\'s remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and compassion.
