Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. He became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s and joined the African National Congress in 1942. For 20 years, Mandela directed a campaign of peaceful, non-violent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies.
In 1993, Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country's apartheid system. In 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. In 2009, Mandela's birthday (July 18) was declared Mandela Day to promote global peace and celebrate the South African leader's legacy.
Early Life and Education ¶
Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela in the tiny village of Mvezo, on the banks of the Mbashe River in Transkei, South Africa. His father, who was destined to be a chief, served as a counselor to tribal chiefs for several years but lost both his title and fortune over a dispute with the local colonial magistrate.
After his father's death, Mandela was adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu people. He subsequently left his village and traveled to Mqhekezweni, the provincial capital of Thembuland, to the chief's royal residence. Mandela developed his interest in African history during this period and learned about the impact of white colonization on African society.
Mandela attended a Wesleyan mission school, the Clarkebury Boarding Institute, and Wesleyan College, where he achieved academic success and excelled at track and boxing. In 1939, he enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare, the only residential center of higher learning for blacks in South Africa at the time.
Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013, at age 95, leaving behind a legacy of anti-apartheid activism and leadership.
