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Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela continues to lead the fight against apartheid with vigor after spending nearly three decades of his life in prison. After hearing of his ancestor’s struggles during the wars of resistance and being influenced by the cases that came before the Chief’s court, Mandela decided to become a lawyer and make a contribution to the freedom struggle of his people. During World War II Mandela became a part of the African National Congress. Since the ANC’s methods of polite petitioning to change the government was not working, Mandela formed the African National Congress Youth League. Through the ANC Youth League, Mandela, lead a Defiance Campaign in whichhe organized resistance to discriminatory legislation. Because of continuous banning Mandela was forced to resign from the ANC and went underground to lead a new national convention. Under Mandela’s leadership the military wing of the ANC was formed. This group worked to destroy government and economic installations. Upon returning from Algeria for military training, Mandela was arrested. While in prison, Mandela never compromised his political principles and was a source of strength to other prisoners. Nelson Mandela remains South Africa’s best-known and loved hero.

Did You Know

• Mandela was the first Black President of South Africa.
• Nelson Mandela accepted the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of all South Africans who suffered and sacrificed to bring peace to the land.
• Mandela has honorary degrees from more than 50 international universities
• Mandela conducted his own defense in many of his trials.
• Despite his long struggle to achieve liberation from a white community that rejected black participation, he sought to include whites in the new government. His efforts at reconciliation culminated in May 1995 with the approval of a new South African constitution that barred discrimination against the country's minorities, including whites.

Famous Quotes

• I have cherished the ideal of a free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for...but if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
• I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.
• The struggle is my life.

To Learn More ...

• Read, 'Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela'