Nelson Mandela South African
Nelson Mandela He was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and the first Black president of South Africa. Key facts Born: July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa. Died: December 5, 2013 Known as: Madiba — his clan name, used as a sign of respect in South Africa What he did 1. Anti-apartheid fight: In the 1940s he joined the African National Congress, ANC. Apartheid was the system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Mandela pushed for equal rights for Black South Africans. 2. Prison: He was arrested in 1962 and spent 27 years in prison, 18 of them on Robben Island. He was charged with sabotage and conspiracy. While in prison he became a global symbol of resistance. 3. President: Released in 1990. In 1994, after the first democratic elections, he became South Africa’s first Black president. He served one term from 1994 to 1999. 4. Reconciliation: Instead of revenge, he focused on national unity. He set up the Truth and Reconciliation Com...