Nelson Mandela

Mandela - South Africa’s First Black President

Each year, on July 18, the world marks Nelson Mandela’s birthday to honour the man who fought for justice and equality during South Africa's apartheid rule.

When he was born in 1918, his parents named him Rolihlahla - a Xhosa name commonly translated to “troublemaker”. But when Mandela was in primary school, a teacher changed it to Nelson, as it was common during white minority rule for children to be given Christian names.

Mandela studied law and became increasingly involved in politics in the early 1940s before joining the African National Congress in 1944. He was in his mid-20s when he helped form and lead its youth wing. The ANC’s aim was to fight for the rights of Black South Africans.

The turning point came on March 21, 1960, when police fired into a crowd of unarmed protesters. They were demanding an end to racial segregation laws. At least 69 people were killed. It became known as the Sharpeville massacre.

The apartheid government banned the ANC and Mandela abandoned nonviolence for sabotage. He helped establish “Spear of the Nation”, the ANC’s military wing, and went underground. Mandela became the most wanted man in South Africa.

Mandela was caught and charged with sabotage and treason at the infamous 1964 Rivonia trial, where he testified that he “cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society”. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Mandela spent the first 13 years of his sentence at Robben Island prison.

The anti-apartheid movement was down but not out, and Mandela’s iron will in prison proved to be an inspiration. A nationwide uprising brought down the South African government and on February 11, 1990, Mandela was released after 27 years in prison.

Within a few years, apartheid was formally abolished and on May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Mandela died in December 2013, but he stands as a symbol for peace, humility, integrity and respect. Values much needed in many parts of the world today.