Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African leader and freedom fighter. He was born in Mvezo, South Africa, in 1918. He spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid. He became South Africa's first Black president in 1994.

Early Life

Mandela grew up in a small village in South Africa. He was the first in his family to go to school. He studied law and became a lawyer. He joined the fight against apartheid, the system that separated people by race.

Nelson Mandela as a young man of nineteen in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela as a young man of nineteen in South Africa. (Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life in prison. He spent 27 years behind bars but never gave up hope. When he was released in 1990, he worked to end apartheid peacefully. He became president in 1994 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Fun Facts

  • Mandela's birth name was Rolihlahla, which means troublemaker in his language.
  • He loved boxing and practiced it even in prison.
  • He wore colorful patterned shirts that became known as Madiba shirts, after his clan name.

Did You Know?

Mandela spent 18 of his 27 prison years on Robben Island. His cell was so small he could barely lie down. After becoming president, he invited one of his former prison guards to his inauguration.