Net worth | $4 million |
---|---|
Full Name | Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela |
Known as | Nelson Mandela |
Date of Birth | 18th of July, 1918 |
Place of Birth | Mvezo, Cape Province, South Africa |
Date of Death | 5th of December, 2013 (at 95) |
Place of Death | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Zodiac sign | Cancer |
Ethnicity | Black |
Religion | Christianity |
Occupation | Politician, anti-apartheid activist |
Year active | 1985-1999 |
Notable works | The first president of South Africa |
Introduction
Imagine a man whose life story transcends the boundaries of history books, etching itself into the collective consciousness of an entire nation. Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African anti-apartheid crusader and revered political figure, is more than a name; he’s a symbol of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination.
As the first black president of South Africa, Mandela’s ascent to power in 1994 marked a seismic shift in the nation’s trajectory, signaling the end of an oppressive era and the dawn of a new, hopeful chapter. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the dismantling of racial segregation echoed not only within the borders of his beloved country but reverberated across the globe, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations to fight for freedom and equality.
Early Life and Education
Nelson Mandela’s early life reads like a tapestry woven from the rich fabric of South African history, resplendent with tales of ancestry, resilience, and the influences that shaped his remarkable journey. Born in the picturesque village of Mvezo in Umtata, he was given the name Rolihlahla, a moniker that hinted at the spirited soul he would become. As the descendant of Thembu royalty, his lineage carried the weight of legacy and honor, entwined with the complexities of tradition and political nuance.
Growing up amid the customs of the Xhosa people, young Mandela found solace in the rolling landscapes of Qunu, tending to herds and relishing the camaraderie of village life. Despite his parents’ illiteracy, his mother’s steadfast commitment to Christianity propelled him into the realm of education, leading him to a Methodist school where he acquired the English name “Nelson.” Tragedy struck early with the loss of his father, leaving Mandela with a legacy of rebellious defiance and an unwavering sense of justice.
Entrusted to the guardianship of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, Mandela found an unexpected sense of belonging within the walls of the “Great Place” at Mqhekezweni, raised as a cherished member of the chief’s family alongside their own children. Education became Mandela’s compass, guiding him through Clarkebury Methodist High School and later, Healdtown, where the collision of European ideals and native African culture ignited a burgeoning passion for his heritage.
His academic pursuits at the University of Fort Hare painted a picture of a young man eager to bridge the gap between cultures, even as political tides roiled the country. Despite being suspended for his principled stand against subpar conditions, Mandela’s early years reflected the seeds of resilience and a fervent desire for equality that would define his lifelong struggle against injustice.
Career and Work
Years | Career and Work |
1946-1952 | Lawyer |
1944-1961 | Anti-apartheid activist |
1962-1990 | Prisoner |
1990-1994 | Anti-apartheid leader |
1994-1999 | President of South Africa |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth |
2013 | $4 million |
Family and Relationship
Relation | Name/Info |
Father | Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa Mandela |
Mother | Noqaphi Nosekeni |
Siblings | 8 |
Spouse | Evelyn Ntoko Mase (1944-1958), Winnie Madikizela (1958-1996), Graça Machel (1998-2013) |
Children | 6 |
Achievements and Awards
Years | Achievements and Awards |
1993 | Nobel Peace Prize |
1993 | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
1990 | Bharat Ratna |
1979 | Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding |
1962 | Leninist Prize for Peace |
1995 | Order of the Companions of Honour |
1998 | Order of Canada |
1986 | United Nations Peace Medal |
1992 | National Peace Prize |
1990 | Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award |
1993 | Philadelphia Liberty Medal |
Quick Facts
- For inciting workers to strike and leaving the country without a permit, he was sentenced to five years in prison.
- He was the first president of South Africa to spend around 27 years in Prison before becoming the president of the country.
- Rolihlahla Mandela was his real name, but he was given the name Nelson by a teacher when he started school.
- He helped to organize the Defiance Campaign, a non-violent protest against apartheid laws, which made him a symbol of the struggle against apartheid.
- He was a keen boxer and rugby player in his youth.
FAQs
Q: When and where was Nelson Mandela born?
A: He was born on the 18th of July, 1918, in Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa.
Q: What was Nelson Mandela’s job?
A: He was a lawyer, anti-apartheid activist, and a politician.
Q: Why and how long was Nelson Mandela in prison?
A: He was imprisoned for around 27 years for his role in the fight against apartheid. He was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He was released from prison in 1990.
Q: What is Nelson Mandela’s legacy?
A: His legacy is one of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, due to which, he is remembered as a courageous and inspiring leader who dedicated his life to the fight for justice and equality.
Q: What is Nelson Mandela Day and when is it celebrated?
A: Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated on the 18th of July, which is his birthday. It is a day to honor his legacy and to continue his work to build a better world.