Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Transkei, South Africa in the tiny village of Mvezo. He was the first member of his family to go to school. Due to the customs of the British educational system his teacher changed his first name to Nelson. When Nelson Mandela was nine, his father died of lung cancer. This was a turning point for Nelson who was placed in the care of the chief of the Thembu people, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo. While living in the palace Nelson studied English, History and Geography thus his interest of African history was developed.
At the age of 16, Nelson participated in the circumcision ritual that would carry him into manhood. He welcomed the chance to take part in his people’s traditions …show more content…
During his education, Mandela became interested in his country’s history and the plight of South Africa’s black population.
He went on to study law at the University College of Fort Hare in hopes of working in the legal system, where black men could earn the most money. To further fight the social injustices around him, Mandela became a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943, first as an activist, then as the founder and president of the ANC Youth League. Mr. Mandela became a lawyer and in 1952 opened a law practice in Johannesburg with his partner, Oliver Tambo. In 1956 things did not look good for the ANC, when Mandela and other ANC members faced treason charges, but he was acquitted and went back to …show more content…
With his release from prison there were talks about forming a new multi-racial democracy for South Africa.
Mr. Mandela and Mr. de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1993. Five months later, for the first time in South Africa 's history, all races voted in democratic elections and at the age of 77 Mr. Mandela was elected South Africa’s first black president. As president, Mandela ended the apartheid laws that had long crippled the black population of South Africa and used sports to bring the country together.
Nelson Mandela is one of the world 's most respected leaders, who led the struggle to replace the apartheid government of South Africa with a multi-racial democracy. Jailed for 27 years, he emerged to become the country 's first black president and to play a leading role in the drive for peace and