Nelson Mandela, Anti-Apartheid Leader, Former President of South Africa
Anti-Apartheid Leader, Former President of South Africa

Nelson Mandela

Born 18 July 1918 · South Africa — Died 5 December 2013

Led South Africa's transition to multiracial democracy as its first Black president from 1994 to 1999.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His administration focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation, a national peace accord and eventual multiracial democracy. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as the president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Mandela’s prison number on Robben Island was 46664, which later became the name for an international HIV/AIDS awareness campaign he championed.

The Story

1
In 1944, Nelson Mandela co-founded the African National Congress Youth League in Johannesburg alongside Anton Lembede, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu, marking the start of his organized push against apartheid policies.
2
🌍 Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment began in 1962 after his arrest for sabotage and conspiracy, with a large portion served on Robben Island under brutal conditions designed to crush his spirit.
3In 1990, amid growing international pressure and fears of racial civil war, President F. W. de Klerk released Mandela, setting the stage for negotiations that would end apartheid in South Africa.
4🗳️ South Africa’s first multiracial election on 27 April 1994 saw over 22 million citizens vote, with Mandela elected as the country’s first Black president, symbolizing the political transformation.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Mandela secretly joined the banned South African Communist Party during the 1950s, reflecting his ideological evolution beyond non-violent protest.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Nelson Mandela signed the final 2005 BMW 325i Democracy Car in South Africa (2005).
Nelson Mandela signed the final 2005 BMW 325i Democracy Car in South Africa (2005).
2005
The Mercedes gifted to Nelson Mandela upon his release, displayed at Apartheid Museum (2010).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born into Thembu royal family
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Mvezo, South Africa, into the Thembu royal family, setting his roots in the Eastern Cape.
1918
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Career
Founded ANC Youth League
Mandela co-founded the African National Congress Youth League in Johannesburg, initiating his formal political activism.
1944
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Career
Arrested for sabotage
Mandela was arrested and charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government, leading to his imprisonment.
1962
⚡
Career
Released from prison
After 27 years in prison, Mandela was released by President F.W. de Klerk amid mounting national and international pressure.
1990
🏅
Award
Nobel Peace Prize awarded
Mandela and de Klerk jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for their roles in the peaceful dismantling of apartheid.
1993
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Career
First multiracial elections
South Africa held its first democratic elections, with Mandela elected as the first Black president.
1994
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Career
Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed
Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address apartheid-era human rights abuses.
1995
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Career
Mandela steps down as president
Mandela voluntarily left office, handing over the presidency to Thabo Mbeki and focusing on philanthropy.
1999
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During the 1956 Treason Trial, Mandela and 155 other activists were prosecuted but ultimately acquitted in 1961 after five years of legal battles.

02 / 05
👤PERSONAL

Mandela’s first marriage to Evelyn Ntoko Mase in 1944 ended in divorce in 1958, during which time he fathered six children.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

At 1.93 meters (6 ft 4 in), Mandela’s imposing stature contrasted with his philosophy of reconciliation and humility.

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"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way."

— Nelson Mandela

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Nelson Mandela Biography: Life and Accomplishments of a South African Leader
·YouTube
More from this archive
Nelson Mandela Biography: Life and Accomplishments of a South African Leader
01
Nelson Mandela Biography: Life and Accomplishments of a South African Leader
YouTube
Nelson Mandela speaks at the Indo South Africa Friendship Association, 1995
02
Nelson Mandela speaks at the Indo South Africa Friendship Association, 1995
YouTube
"Together We Lit Up The Sky" - documentary about Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in South Africa
03
"Together We Lit Up The Sky" - documentary about Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in South Africa
YouTube
June 12, 1964: Nelson Mandela Is Sentenced To Life Imprisonment | Firstpost Rewind
04
June 12, 1964: Nelson Mandela Is Sentenced To Life Imprisonment | Firstpost Rewind
YouTube
South Africa's first black president - Nelson Mandela!
05
South Africa's first black president - Nelson Mandela!
YouTube
Nelson Mandela speaks about peace and non-violence, Emergency Rule in 1986
06
Nelson Mandela speaks about peace and non-violence, Emergency Rule in 1986
YouTube
Famous Nelson Mandela`s Presidential Inaugural Speech delivered 10 May 1994, Pretoria, South Africa.
07
Famous Nelson Mandela`s Presidential Inaugural Speech delivered 10 May 1994, Pretoria, South Africa.
YouTube
NELSON MANDELA - WikiVidi Documentary
08
NELSON MANDELA - WikiVidi Documentary
YouTube
Nelson Mandela-Anti-Apartheid Icon
09
Nelson Mandela-Anti-Apartheid Icon
YouTube
Nelson Mandela | 1st President of South Africa & Global Icon for Peace
10
Nelson Mandela | 1st President of South Africa & Global Icon for Peace
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Nelson Mandela’s presidency ended decades of institutionalized racial segregation, leading to the establishment of a multiracial democracy in South Africa. His creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided a unique model for addressing systemic human rights abuses globally. Mandela’s political and moral leadership fostered policies promoting land reform, poverty alleviation, and expanded healthcare, reshaping South Africa’s social fabric.

💬 Social Buzz

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