Nelson Mandela PNG

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, or tribally known as Madiba, 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013), was a South African anti-apartheid activist and the first black president of the Republic of South Africa. In 1994, for the first time, the president was elected in the elections attended by all the people. His administration has focused on dismantling the legacy of Apartheid, curbing racism, and poverty and inequality. A Democratic Socialist in political opinion, Mandela was party chairman of the African National Council political party from 1990 to 1999.

Born in the Tembu (Thembu) tribe, which speaks the Kosa (Xhosa) language belonging to the Bantu languages, Mandela studied law at Fort Hare University and the University of the Witwatersrand. While living in the counties of Johannesburg, he embraced the anti-colonial movement and joined the ANC, becoming a founding member of its youth wing. When the National Party implemented Apartheid in 1948, he rose to prominence in the ANC's Defiance Campaign in 1952 and was accordingly elected president of the Transvaal ANC branch at the People's Congress. While working as a lawyer, he was repeatedly arrested for provocative activities and for Treason Trials that lasted from 1956 to 1961.