Perio * Short Biography Nelson Mandela ‘Nelson Mandela was born at Qunu, near Umtata on 18 July 1918, His father, was chief councilor to ‘Thembuland's acting chief David Dalindyebo. When his father died, Mandela and was groomed for becomius chief of his local tribe, However Mandela would never be able to make this commitment. ‘While at university Nelson Mandela became increasingly aware of the unjust nature of South African Society. ‘The majority of Black South Africans had little opportunities either Economic or Political. Much to the disappointment of his family, Mandela became involved in politics, and along with his good friend and comrade Oliver Tambo was expelled from Fort Hare for organizing a student strike. However Mandela was able to finish his degreo and qualified as a Lawyer, In 1952 Mandela and Tambo opened the first Black Law firm in South Aftica, In 1944 Mandela helped found the Aftican National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1949. Mandela was instrumental in pushing the ANC into more direct action such as the 1952 Defiance Campaign and later acts of sabotage. : By the late 50s the South Aftican state had become increasingly repressive making it more difficult for the ANC to operate. In 1960 the Sharpeville massacre of 63 black South Avrican’s changed the whole political climate, South Africa was increasingly isolated on the international scene. By 1962 Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison, afer being accused in a plot to overthrow the government. His reputation grew during his years of imprisonment as he became viewed as South Aftica’s most significant black leader, as well as, a symbol for equal rights, justice and resistance against apartheid. Life et the prison was tough and uncompromising. Mandela sought to make the best use of his time. He helped to keep other Men's spirits high and never compromised his political principles when offered early release, Towards the end of his prison spell his treatment improved as the South. African establishment increasingly looked. to negotiation, in the face of international isolation. Although negotiations were painfully slow and difficult, they eventually led to Mandela’s release in 1990. It ‘was an emotional moment watched by millions around the globe. Mandela had been incarcerated for almost 27 years. On May 10, 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State President of South Africa and was President until June 1999. As president, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid. His advocacy of reconciliation led to international acclaim and importantly the trust of the White Aérican population. Despite the initial euphoria of winning the election the ANC faced a difficult challenge to improve the lives of the black population, This was made more difficult by the EIIV epidemic, which continues to cause grave problems. (Nelson Mandela recently lost his eldest son to this disease and Mandela has worked hard to campaign on this issue.) Since retiring from office Nelson Mandele hes continued to be an international figure of grest stature, He is one of the few politicians who have gone beyond a political role; he is widely admired and has received many prestigious awards, Nelson Mandela is also associated with many educational programs and initiatives such as Make Poverty History Campaign. In 1993-Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with F.W. De Klerk.Questions from Biography. 1. Where was Mandela bom? 2. What struggles were facing South A rican throughout Mandela’s life? 3. Why was Nelson Mandela expelled from Fort Hare University? 4, What notable opening took place in 1952? 5. What did Mandela help found in 1944? 6. What changed the political climate of South Aftica in 1960? 7. What were the charges against Nelson Mandela? 8. How long did he spend in prison? 9. What happened to Mandela’s reputation as he spent time in prison? 10. When was Mandela elected state president of South Africa? 11, What difficult challenge did he face during his presidency? 12. What is one of South Africa’s gravest health issues? 13, What honor did Mandela receive in 1993?