Discover the Life of Nelson Mandela

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

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Nelson Mandela is a name that will always be remembered in history. His influence on politics and human rights continues to inspire people around the world. From his fight to end apartheid to his vision of a South Africa free from racial division, Mandela's contributions have left an everlasting mark on society.

Early Life

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, into the royal family of the Xhosa clan. His father, Chief Henry Mandela, and his mother, Nosekeni, were part of the Thembu people. He was born in Mvezo, a small village in Umtata, in South Africa’s Cape Province. His mother, a devoted Christian, sent him to a Methodist school when he was just seven. After his father passed away, Mandela moved with his mother to the village of Qunu and later to the home of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo in Mqhekezweni. There, the chief and his family raised Mandela alongside their own children.

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Developing His Political Views

Mandela attended Clarkebury Methodist High School and later went on to Healdtown, a college in Fort Beaufort. Here, he learned to interact with other students as equals, sparking an interest in understanding different viewpoints. This early experience played a key role in shaping his political ideas. However, his time at Healdtown ended abruptly when he was suspended due to a food boycott. In 1940, he returned home to Mqhekezweni.

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A New Path in Johannesburg

In 1940, to avoid an arranged marriage, Mandela fled to Johannesburg. There, he stayed with a cousin and soon met Walter Sisulu, an African National Congress (ANC) activist who helped him find a job at a law firm. This job, along with his exposure to the ANC, introduced him to communist ideologies for the first time. He continued his education at night, earning his degree from the University of South Africa in 1943 and deciding to pursue a career in law.

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Law School Challenges

Mandela enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand, where he encountered racism from some of his classmates, further pushing him toward political activism. During this period, he joined the ANC and helped form the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). His busy life in politics strained his first marriage to Evelyn Mase, a nurse he married in 1944. Despite his efforts, Mandela struggled academically, failing his final year of law school multiple times and ultimately being denied a degree.

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A Shift in the ANC

By the mid-1940s, Mandela was influencing the ANC, pushing for more active and radical approaches to fight for equal rights. He led peaceful protests and demonstrations, even addressing a crowd of 10,000 in 1952. Though these actions brought attention to the ANC and helped build its reputation among Black South Africans, they also led to frequent arrests. Mandela's interest in communism grew during this time, influenced by figures like Karl Marx and Lenin.

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The First Black Law Practice

In 1954, Mandela and his friend Oliver Tambo established the first African law firm in Johannesburg. Mandela's royal heritage and his growing reputation as an advocate for justice earned him deep respect in the Black community. However, his dedication to activism took a toll on his personal life, leading to his divorce from Evelyn. He later married Winnie Mandela, who would play a significant role in his life and activism.

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From Peaceful Protests to Armed Resistance

Mandela was known for supporting non-violent protests, but the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 changed things. He co-founded the MK, a militant group that used sabotage as a way to push for change without massive casualties. At one point, Mandela even trained in guerrilla warfare in Algeria. However, his involvement forced him into hiding, and in 1962, he was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison.

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Imprisonment: 27 Years Behind Bars

While serving his sentence, Mandela was tried again, this time for sabotage and conspiracy. The prosecution sought the death penalty, but Mandela and his co-defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964. He spent most of his 27-year sentence on Robben Island. Over the years, Mandela moved from being a Class D prisoner to Class A, the highest status, and was finally released in 1990.

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The End of Apartheid and Presidency

Upon his release, Mandela led negotiations with President F.W. de Klerk to dismantle apartheid and transition South Africa toward democracy. Mandela’s global fame from his time in prison boosted the ANC’s profile, leading to a massive increase in membership. In 1994, Mandela was elected President of South Africa after the ANC won the election. He chose to step down in 1999 after serving one term.

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A Lasting Legacy

Mandela faced numerous health challenges, including tuberculosis during his time in prison, and his health continued to decline in the 2010s. He was hospitalized multiple times for respiratory issues and infections and passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. Mandela’s legacy lives on through his children, his third wife Graca Machel, and the countless lives he touched around the world. His vision of a more equal and just society continues to inspire hope and change.

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