1918 — 2013 · Lawyer · Anti-Apartheid Activist · Statesman · President
Explore his storyNelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in Mvezo, in South Africa's Eastern Cape. He became one of the central figures in the struggle against apartheid, endured 27 years of imprisonment, and later became South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994.
Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in Mvezo in the Eastern Cape.
Mandela became involved in the African National Congress Youth League and worked toward ending racial oppression.
He emerged as a major leader during the campaign of civil resistance against apartheid laws.
Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and spent much of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island.
After decades in prison, Mandela was released and entered a new period of negotiations for a democratic South Africa.
Mandela and F. W. de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work toward the peaceful transition to democracy.
Mandela was inaugurated on 10 May 1994 as South Africa's first democratically elected president.
After one presidential term, Mandela voluntarily stepped down and continued his humanitarian work.
Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013, leaving a global legacy of perseverance, dignity and reconciliation.
He remained committed to justice through imprisonment, political pressure and personal sacrifice.
His leadership emphasized building a democratic society rather than perpetuating cycles of revenge.
After leaving office, he continued supporting peace, children, education and social development.