NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela is a universal symbol of freedom and reconciliation,

an icon representing the triumph of the human spirit."

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela became known and respected all over the world as a
symbol of the struggle against apartheid and all forms of racism; the icon and
the hero of African liberation.
Mandela or Madiba, as he was affectionately known, has been called a freedom
fighter, a great man, South Africa's Favorite Son, a global icon and a living
legend, among countless other names. He has been an activist, a political
prisoner, South Africa's first democratically elected president, an international
peacemaker and statesman, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
As a husband and a father, Mandela sacrificed the joys of family life and of
seeing his children grow up. As a young man, he missed out on a normal life
spent with family and friends and pursuing a career of his choice, to fight for
the cause he unshakably stood for.
Most ordinary South Africans knew little about Mandela during his prison years,
as the apartheid government suppressed information, and what was released
was biased. Limited information about Mandela was available from the
international press, anti-apartheid activist groups and the Free Nelson Mandela
campaign.
But prison bars could not prevent him from continuing to inspire his people to
struggle and sacrifice for their liberation. Public opinion polls repeatedly
showed that he was the most popular leader the country has ever had. As the
Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group observed in 1986, he had become "a
living legend", galvanising the resistance in his country.
He is the most honored political prisoner in history. He has received prestigious
international awards, the freedom of many cities and honorary degrees from
several universities.
Musicians have been inspired to compose songs and music in his honor. Major
international art exhibits have been dedicated to him and some of the most
prominent writers have contributed to books for him and about him. Even an
atomic particle has been named after him.
Mandela is a universal symbol of freedom and reconciliation, an icon
representing the triumph of the human spirit. During his lifetime he not only
dedicated himself to the struggle of the African people, but with his humility,
and his spirit of forgiveness, he captured hearts and inspired people all over

the world. As South Africans, we owe it to this great champion of our nation to
continue to live by his example.

BIOGRAPHY
Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918. He grew up poor in a
small South African village. When Mandela was nine, he was adopted by and
sent to live with his fathers friend, a prosperous clan chief.
In school, Mandela learned about African history and his ancestors struggles
with discrimination. He wanted to help his countrymen. He later traveled to
Johannesburg, where he studied law and opened the countrys first black law
practice. He also joined the African National Congress, a group that fought for
racial equality.
Fight Against Apartheid
In 1948, the government introduced apartheid, which left the countrys
nonwhite majority with few economic opportunities. In response, Mandela
traveled throughout South Africa and encouraged people to take part in
nonviolent demonstrations against the governments racial segregation
policies. He was arrested for organizing anti-government activities and
eventually sentenced to life in prison. I have cherished the ideal of a
democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and
with equal opportunities, he said during his trial. It is an ideal which I hope to
live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to
die.
Mandelas imprisonment led to protests around the world and economic
sanctions, or limits on trade, against his country.
First Black President
On February 11, 1990, South African president F.W. de Klerk released Mandela
from prison, and the two worked together to end apartheid. Three years later,
they won the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts.
In 1994, for the first time in South African history, nonwhites were allowed to
vote in democratic elections. Mandela was elected president by an
overwhelming majority. While in office, he worked to improve housing,
education, and economic opportunities for the countrys large black population.
Mandela stepped down as president in 1999. That same year, he created the
Nelson Mandelas Children Fund, a charity that helps poor South African

children. Children are the wealth of our country, he said in an interview with
TFK in 2002. They must be given love.
Over the years, Mandela continued working to promote peace around the
world. In 2007, he helped found The Elders, an organization of world leaders
committed to ending conflicts and promoting human rights. When you want to
get a herd to move in a certain direction, he told TIME in 1994, you stand at
the back with a stick. Then a few of the more energetic cattle move to the front
and the rest of the cattle follow. You are really guiding them from behind. That
is how a leader should do his work.