Mandela was a social and political activist. He was also the first black President of South Africa. He was against apartheid activities in his country.
Nelson began his career with the African National Congress. He wanted to remove apartheid in South Africa. He was one of the best leaders.
Mandela’s social activities brought him world recognition. The Noble Foundation awarded Nelson Mandela the Nobel Peace Prize.
Table of Contents
Biography of Nelson Mandela
| Full Name | Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela |
| Known as | Nelson Mandela |
| Date of Birth | 18/07/1918 |
| Age (As of 2013) | 95 years |
| Death | 5/12/2013 |
| Hometown | Mvezo in Umtata |
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Caste | A Xhosa |
| Profession | Lawyer, Political and Social Activist |
| Weight | N/A |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Coach/Mentor | N/A |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Marital status | Married |
| Political Party | South African Communist Party |
| Marriage Date | 18th July 1998, 15th July 1944, 14th June 1958 |
| Education | B.A from the University College of Fort Hare Law from the University of Witwatersrand |
Who is Nelson Mandela?
His original name is Rolihlahla. He belongs to the Madiba clan of Mvezo village in the Eastern Cape. His father, Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, was a principal councillor for Thembu people’s acting King. Nonqaphi Nosekeni was his mother’s name.
Rolihlahla’s father died when he was young. Young Mandela became Jongintaba’s ward. The stories of his ancestor’s bravery inspired him to contribute to his people’s freedom struggle.
Early life
The Biography of Nelson Mandela tells how traditional African culture with formal education and exposure to political ideas influenced his early life. These values gave birth to a lifelong commitment to equality and justice.
Mandela was born in the Thembu royal family. His father was a local chief and councillor to the King. He died when Mandela was twelve years old. The Regent Jongintaba became his guardian and sent him to school near his palace. However, Mandela gave away his title to pursue higher education.
Mandela’s name, Rolihlahla, means troublemaker. However, the African primary schools follow the custom of giving English names to African children. Therefore, his teacher named him Nelson on the first day of primary school.
Education
Nelson Mandela began his education at a local Methodist School. He completed his secondary education at Clarkebury Boarding Institute and then at Healdtown.
Mandela pursued a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Fort Hare. It was an honourable college of the Eastern Cape. However, Mandela was expelled in the second year because he participated in a student protest.
To avoid an arranged marriage, Nelson ran to Johannesburg. He worked different jobs and completed his degree by correspondence.
Family
Nelson Mandela’s biography states that he married thrice. He has six children. His first wife was Evelyn Ntoko Mase. She belonged to the Transkei region of South Africa. They met in Johannesburg. They had four kids.
The name of his second wife was Winnie Madikizela-Mandeal. She also belonged to the Transkei region. They, too, met in Johannesburg. She was the city’s first black social worker. The couple was blessed with two daughters. They separated and got divorced.
Nelson married Graca Machel on his eightieth birthday. She was the widow of Samora Machel. Samora was an ANC ally and a former Mozambican President who died in an aeroplane crash.
| Father’s name | Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa |
| Mother’s name | Noqaphi Nosekeni |
| Sisters’ names | Constance Mbekeni Mandela, Baliwe Mandela, Lieby Piliso, Mabel Notancu Ntimakhwe, Nothusile Bhulehluth and Makhutswana Mandela |
| Brothers’ names | Daligqili Mandela, Mhlalwa Mandela, and Nomabandla Mandela |
| Wives’ names | Graca Machel, Evelyn Mase and Winnie Mandela |
| Children’s names | Zindziswa Mandela, Zenani Mandela, Madiba Thembekile Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela Amuah, Makgatho Mandela and Makaziwe Mandela |
Career
Nelson started his political journey with the African National Congress. He became the leader of this Black-liberation group’s Youth League. With another leadership position, he revitalised the organisation and opposed the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies.
Mandela established South Africa’s first Black law practice in 1952 with the help of Oliver Tambo, another ANC leader. He specialised in cases of apartheid legislation.
Mandela also launched a defiance campaign against the laws passed in South Africa. The law stated that the nonwhites would need a pass to be present in areas reserved for whites.
Nelson travelled to gain support for nonviolent protests. He also participated in drafting the Freedom Charter.
Famous for
The biography of Nelson Mandela tells that he was a renowned social activist. He successfully led the protest against South Africa’s apartheid policy.
Mandela is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He was awarded for transforming South Africa from apartheid to multiracial democracy.
Nelson was also the first black president of South Africa. He was elected democratically.
Nelson Mandela Achievements
1991 – Became the African National Congress (ANC) Party President
10th December 1993 – Awarded Nobel Peace Prize along with De Klerk for trying to apartheid peacefully
10th May 1994 – Elected as the first President of South Africa.
Death
Nelson Mandela had prostate cancer. The biography of Nelson Mandela states that he received treatment. Later, he retired from public life.
Rolihlaha passed away on 5th December 2013. His age was ninety-five years. He died because of a prolonged respiratory infection.
Unknown Facts
Nelson Mandela loved boxing. He was an avid boxer who began boxing at the University of Fort Hare. He continued pursuing his hobby in Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela loved poetry and literature. Poetry comforted and inspired him on Robben Island.
Mandela wrote his autobiography in prison on Robben Island. It was named Long Walk to Freedom. His manuscript eventually became the base of his published autobiography.
Interested in biographies of great politicians and leaders? Read the Biography of Mahatma Gandhi here!
FAQ
The Long Walk to Freedom is about chasing freedom, bringing equality and providing justice. The book revolves around these three main attributes.
His original name was Rolihlahla. It meant troublemaker. Later on, he became famous as Madiba.
He spent 27 years in the Victor Verster Prison. He finally came out of prison when his sentence ended in 1990.
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