Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is judged to be one of the greatest political leaders of modern
times. Among his many accomplishments are the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication
to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa and establishing democracy there
and becoming the president of South Africa in 1994 following their first multiracial
elections.
Nelson was born as the foster son of a Thembu chief in Umtata (now the province of
Eastern Cape) and raised in a traditional tribal culture within the grips of apartheid, a
powerful system of black oppression that existed in South Africa. After years as a poor
student and law clerk in Johannesburg, he assumed an important role in the African
National Congress (ANC), a civil rights group. He also helped form the ANC Youth League
in the 1950's. He was accused of treason in 1956 but was acquitted in 1961.
From 1960-1962 Mandela led the NAC's para military wing known as Umkhonto we Sizwe which
translate to "Spear of the Nation." He was arrested in August of 1962, sentenced to five
years in prison and while incarcerated was again convicted of sabotage and treason and
was sentenced to life imprisonment in june, 1964 at the famous Rivonia Trial. During his
twenty-seven years in prison, Nelson Mandela became a symbol of resistance to the
white-dominated country of South Africa throughout the world. After complex
negotiation, Mandela was finally released from prison by President F.W. deKlerk in
February, 1990, after lifting the long ban on the ANC.
Mandela's release from prison marked the beginning of the end of apartheid in South
Africa when he once again became the head of the ANC. He began the process to from a new
constitution in South Africa which would allow political power to the black majority.
Finally in 1991 the South African government repealed the laws that had upheld apartheid.
In May, 1994 Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president after the
country's first multiracial elections were held. His goal was to provide for economic
and social growth for the black majority that had been oppressed for so long by the
system of apartheid.
Nelson Mandela continues to inspire people everywhere. He is viewed as a vital force in
the fight for human rights and racial equality. He stands for the triumph of dignity and
hope over despair and hatred and of love over persecution and hatred. At age
seventy-eight he still remains a major political figure in South Africa where he enjoys
his twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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