Nelson Mandela

1. The Life & Times of… Nelson Mandela

2. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in a small African Village. He was given the name of Rolihlahla which means “troublemaker”.

3. At the age of 7, Mandela became the first person in his family to go to school. It was such a big occasion that his father gave him his first pair of pants.

4. At this time, Europeans were ruling South Africa. Mandela heard stories from the older Africans about the times when Africans ruled their own countries.

5. At the age of 16, Mandela went off to boarding school. He was a student at the famous university college named Fort Hare, which was located in South Africa.

6. At the age of 22, Mandela ran away to Johannesburg in order to avoid an arranged marriage.

7. Mandela decided to study law. He also worked part time in a law firm. He was the only black student in the law department at the University.

8. The government had created laws that discriminated against Africans and anyone who was not European. Mandela experienced racism both at work and at school.

9. “I discovered for the first time people of my own age firmly aligned with the liberation struggle, who were prepared despite their relative privilege, to sacrifice themselves for the cause of the oppressed.” Nelson Mandela

10. Mandela joined the African National Congress that was formed to unite Africans in the fight against discrimination.

11. Despite the efforts of the ANC only white people were allowed to vote in elections. In 1948, the newly elected government established a policy of apartheid.

12. People of African, European and Indian heritage would be separated. They would go to separate schools, live in separate areas, go to separate hospitals and were not allowed to marry each other.

13. The races had to stay separate even at the beaches, movie theaters, on busses and in all public places.

14. Africans had to carry a passbook which proved they had permission to be in certain areas. Mandela burned his in 1960 in protest.

15. Mandela became a leader of the ANC in the 1950s and led demonstrations, strikes and protests against apartheid even though these actions were illegal.

16. Mandela was arrested for his actions.

17. In 1952, Mandela opened his own law firm, which was the first African law firm in South Africa. Mandela becomes the leader of the ANC and is then banned by the government.

18. In 1956, Mandela and other leaders of the ANC were arrested for high treason.

19. After he was release, political protest continued. Mandela decided to leave and go into hiding. He continued his protests secretly.

20. Mandela argues that the ANC needed an army and he becomes its commander.

21. When Mandela returned to South Africa he was charged with leaving the country illegally and arrested. While in jail, other charges were brought against him.

22. During the famous 1963 Rivonia Trial, Mandela explained his beliefs for four hours. He and 10 others were sentenced to life in prison.

23. Mandela’s cell was so small that when he lay down his feet touched one wall and his head touched the other. The cell was damp and the black prisoners were discriminated against.

24. Protesting in South Africa continued. Even other countries begin protesting and calling for Mandela’s release.

25. The South African government offers to release him if he would give up the fight for equality. He refused.

26. In 1990, after 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela was freed.

27. In 1993 Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

28. In 1994, all South Africans were allowed to vote in the Presidential election. Mandela became the first black president of South Africa.

29. 5 years later, in 1999, Nelson Mandela retired.