Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei on July 1918. Mandela

was an anti- apartheid activist and leader of the ANC ( African National

Congress) He spent nearly three decades in prison for his struggle against

apartheid. Mandela became the most widely known figure for his struggle

against apartheid! In March Nelson was moved from Robben Island to

Poolsmoor Prison. There were other senior ANC leaders: Walter Sisulu,

Andrew Mlangeni, Ahmed Kathrada and Raymond Mhlaba.

- At seven years of age, Mandela became the first member of his family

to attend a school. In school he was given the name “ Nelson after the

British admiral Horatio Nelson. His father died, when Nelson was nine.

- On 2 February 1990, State President F.W De Klerk unbanned the ANC

and other anti- apartheid organisations. Mandela was released from Victor

Verster Prison in Paarl. Mandela returned to the leadership of the ANC. In

1991 ANC held its first national conference in South Africa after its

unbanned. 10 May 1994 Nelson was the first black President. ANC won

62 procent of the votes. He was president from May 1994 until June

1999. Mandela’s first marriage was to Evelyn Ntoko, Evelyn died in

2004. Mandela’s second wife was Winnie Madikizela she came also from