Nelson Mandela

Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela is born in a small village in the Transkei province in the Eastern Cape of South Africa on July 18, 1918. He was in a tribe called The Madiba, his tribal clan, is part of the Thembu people. His family has royal connections; his great-grandfather was a King and Mandela's father is a respected counselor to the Thembu royal family. His father has four wives and He is one of thirteen children.

On his first day of school, Rolihlahla is given the English name Nelson by an African teacher. After receiving a good education at local boarding schools, Mandela enters Fort Hare University and completes two years before deciding to leave for Johannesburg to avoid a marriage arranged for him by his guardian, Chief Jongintaba.

Mandela then earns his B.A. degree, enrolls in law school and joins the ANC (AFRICAN NATONAL CONGRESS) which is an organization est. in 1918 to promote black freedom.

Believing that the ANC leadership is too staid, Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu form the ANC Youth League. They plan to organize mass support for the ANC and make it a more verbal organization.1948; the National Party comes to power under Dr. Daniel Malan. His platform is called apartheid, meaning "apartness." They make new laws supporting racial discrimination and almost deleting almost all black rights. In1949, The ANC responds to the new apartheid policies, the ANC drafts a Program of Action calling for mass strikes, boycotts, protests and passive resistance. In 1951, Mandela becomes national president of the ANC Youth League. After that it is all downhill and Mandela is arrested several times. Later 1952, He draws up a plan for the ANC to work underground called the M-Plan. Early 1960’s Mandela escapes the country and travels in Africa and Europe, studying guerrilla warfare and building support for the ANC. Late 1962,

Returning to South Africa, Mandela is arrested, convicted and sentenced to five years. He is held on Robben Island .He is held there for more then 20 years.

1985, United States Senator Edward Kennedy visits South Africa to show his anti-apartheid support. He is hosted by Bishop Desmond Tutu the recipient of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize; Kennedy also visits Winnie Mandela (Nelson’s Wife). Same year, South Africa's church leaders take up the anti-apartheid cause, led by Bishop Tutu. Late1985, During the summer, anti-apar...

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...edy also visits Winnie Mandela (Nelson’s Wife). Same year, South Africa's church leaders take up the anti-apartheid cause, led by Bishop Tutu. Late1985, During the summer, anti-apartheid rallies and protests take place in New York City, Atlanta and Washington. North America keeps up their support when world famous musicians, including Bruce Springsteen and Miles Davis, release the anti-apartheid disk "Sun City.' The song "Free Nelson Mandela" reaches the Top Ten on rock-music charts in England. Feb 2 1990, In a dramatic speech to Parliament, de Klerk (head of getting Mandela out of jail) announces the lifting of the bans against the ANC and other political organizations.

Feb 11 1990, After 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela is released. His new life is busy, visiting old friends and supporters, becoming deputy president of the ANC, and traveling with Winnie to the U.S., Europe and North Africa. In Sweden, he visits his old friend Oliver Tambo. 1993. Mandela and de Klerk are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 1994, Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as president of South Africa, with his daughter Zenani beside him; de Klerk is sworn in as deputy president.