Nelson Mandela was born in july 18, 1918 in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. At a very young age, he joined the African National National Congress and was very involved in the fight against apartheid.

When he was younger, probably at the age of 9, his father passed away from lung disease and from then on he was adopted by one of his father's friend: Chief Jongintaba who believed at that time it was

the only way for him to give back to mandela's dad since he had recommended him to be made chief years earlier. Later on, Mandela wanted to visit other places, therefore he travelled to Mqhekezweni

the chief's royal residence where he received a very unique treatment. He was allowed to study English, Geography, history etc... and that's when he developped a love for African history. He was very

interested in knowing how African people lived before whites arrived in South Africa. He was shocked to discover that people lived in peace and harmony.

At the age of 16, Nelson Mandela was circumsised which is considered as an entrance into manhood. Apparently, in the African society, if someone is not circumsised, they cannot inherit their father's

wealth or get married. So he was very excited to cross that bridge and he felt ready to embrace manhood. Later on, he would become the chief's counselor and then attended the Clarkebury boarding

institute and Wesleyan college. In 1939, he enrolled in one of the biggest universities for blacks in South Africa. He took roman Dutch law because he wanted to get a job as a clerk or an interpreter which

at that time were the only two jobs that black could get. But he got expelled from that years later after joining the Student Representative Council, which the university didn't appreciate. After being expelled

he decided to return home which he ended up leaving again due to family issues. He finally settled in Johanesburg and held jobs here and there while going for his bachelors degree. That's when he started to

actively join the fight against apartheid by instituing boycotts, strikes, civil desobedience or non-cooperation. However he was always an advocate of non-violent protest because he didn't want to see killings.

and massacres happen between whites and his people.Seeing that peaceful protest wouldn't work Mandela started to think that armed struggle was another solution.

In 1961 he was found guilty of statrting a three day national worker's strike, and consequently he was arrested and put in jail for years. In 1963 he was given another trial in which he again found guilty, but

Being such a symbol of black resistance, a campaign for his release was started by the international community. After President Frederick De Klerk came into power, he immediately announced Mandela's

release on february 11, 1990. All the restrictions that were put in place by his predecessor Botha, were lifted and upon his release, Mandela started negociating with De Klerk for South Africa's first Multi-

racial elections. In 1993, both Mandela and De Kerk were given the Nobel Peace Prize for their dedication to peace in South Africa.

April 27, 1994, Nelson Mandela won the elections and was inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa. Then he focused all his efforts to uniting blacks and whites in that country but also to fixing

his country's economy and creating jobs. Unfortunately during his presidency, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and consequently he annouced his retirement. In 2011, he suffered a lung infection and

hospitalized before being released again.

December 5,2013 at the age of 95, Nelson Mandela passed away at his home, but he left behind a great legacy for the people of South Africa (blacks and Whites).

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