Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His parents
were Henry Mandela, local tribal leader of the Tembu tribe and Nosekeni Fanny,
a member of the Xhosa clan. Nelson Mandela obtained a full education,
studying at the University College of Fort Hare and also at the University of
Witwatersrand. Nelson was a good student and graduated in law in 1942.
During his time at the University, Nelson Mandela became increasingly aware of
the racial inequality and injustice faced by non-white people. In 1943, he
decided to join the ANC and actively participate in the struggle against
apartheid, through strikes and other non-violent protests.
During his time in prison, Mandela became the best-known black leader and
was a symbol of the fight against the apartheid regime, so his continued
incarceration led to global pressure for his release.
In 1990 the president Frederik de Klerk freed Nelson Mandela, together they
repealed the ' apartheid ' a year later. In 1994 he was elected the first
Democratic President of South Africa. During his prolific career he received
more than 250 international awards and recognitions, including the Nobel
Peace Prize, in 1993.
After five years in office, where he laid the foundations to end racist laws and
create an egalitarian South Africa, he left office. When he retired from political
life, he dedicated himself to the orientation of various humanitarian causes from
its foundation, including the international campaign against SIDA.
For the year 2009 the ONU declares July 18 as its International day. Mandela
married three times, had six children and had 17 grandchildren.
After suffering a prolonged respiratory infection, Nelson Mandela died on
December 5, 2013 at the age of 95 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg
(Republic of South Africa).
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