New Delhi: Born on July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela was a South African activist who fought against apartheid, a politician, and a statesman who served as the country’s first president in the post-apartheid era from 1994 to 1999. He was the first Black head of state of the country and was also the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government dismantled apartheid’s legacy by uniting the entire country. In this article, we will learn more about one of the greatest leaders in world history.
Rolihlahla Mandela and his rise in South African politics
Mandela was born in Umtata, then part of South Africa’s Cape Province and his original name was Rolihlahla which is a Xhosa term meaning ‘troublemaker’. He would be also known by Madiba, his clan name and his patrilineal great-grandfather was the Thembu Kingdom’s ruler in the Transkeian Territories. Mandela was the name of one of the king’s sons and he later made it his surname. He studied law and worked as a lawyer in Johannesburg.
African National Congress and fight against racism
In Johannesburg, Mandela became an active participant in African nationalist politics. In 1943, he joined the African National Congress and founded its Youth League. Following the white-only government of the National Party and its apartheid, a system of racial segregation, Mandela and the ANC began their fight against racism. He rose through the ranks of the ANC, was arrested several and also joined the South African Communist Party (SACP). He initially believed in non-violent protest but later co-founded the militant uMkhonto we Sizwe and tried to bring down the apartheid government. In 1962, he was arrested and imprisoned and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
He spent 27 years in prison
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and was released in 1990 amid mounting international pressure. Thanks to his efforts and also those of the ANC, the multiracial general election was held in 1994. Mandela led the ANC to victory in the election and became the President of South Africa, its first in the post-apartheid era and also the first Black president of the country. Later, he refused to serve in that position for a second term and was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki, his deputy. He focused on fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation. He is often called the ‘Father of the Nation’ and is recognized all over the world as an icon of democracy and social justice who also received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and was released in 1990 amid mounting international pressure. Thanks to his efforts and also those of the ANC, the multiracial general election was held in 1994. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
