Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Trained as a lawyer, he became deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement in the 1940s and 50s, co-founding the African National Congress Youth League. His activism and resistance to white minority rule led to his arrest and, in 1964, a life sentence for conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison, much of it on Robben Island. Despite harsh conditions, he remained a steadfast voice for justice. His release in 1990 marked the beginning of a new chapter for South Africa. Four years later, in 1994, he became the country’s first democratically elected president, leading with a message of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.
After leaving office in 1999, Mandela continued his humanitarian work through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, advocating for peace, education, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. His humility, vision, and moral courage made him a beloved global icon.
Mandela passed away in 2013, but his legacy endures in every effort toward equality, dignity, and human freedom. He remains a timeless figure of hope and resilience.
