Nelson Mandela

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Profile / Biography

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Transkei, South Africa. Mandela has spent his peaceful childhood herding cattle and other rural pursuits, until his father died leaving him in the care of a powerful relative.

Mandela graduated at twenty-four years old, from the University of South Africa.

In 1944, Mandela joined the African National Congress, resisted against the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies, became the league’s president in 1951, was arrested and send to jail for 9 month in 1952.

Mandela was sent to jail again in 1962 for five years and 1964 Mandela received a life sentence. As the years went on, Mandela was gradually perceived as a victim around the globe and viewed as a major important black leader in South Africa. Mandela constantly declined to change his political views to gain his liberty.

In 1990, Mandela was released from prison. Both Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, President of South Africa understood that cooperation between the different races would avoid a conflict in South Africa.

They endorsed a chosen legitimate council to draw up a new constitution and to perform as an alternate government in September of 1992. In 1993, both leaders led the negotiations, and were rewarded with the Nobel Prize for their efforts.

The first liberated election was held on April 27, 1994. Mandela became president. He worked to relieve the risky political divergence in the nation and to improve South Africa’s wealth. Mandela’s skill at building compromises led to a democratic state. 

In June 1999, Mandela retired but acted as a negotiator in Burundi, to promote peace. Mandela protested against terrorists when he showed his support to the American after 9/11