“Nelson Mandela: Iconic Anti-Apartheid Leader, South Africa’s First Black President, Global Advocate for Equality, Justice, and Peacekeeper.”

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, and passing away on December 5, 2013, was a pivotal figure in South Africa’s history. He dedicated his life to fighting against apartheid.

The racially discriminatory system that favored white South Africans and became the nation’s first black president through a fully representative democratic election in 1994.

Coming from the Thembu royal family in Mvezo, South Africa, Mandela pursued law at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand.

He delved into anti-colonial and African nationalist politics while practicing law in Johannesburg, eventually joining the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943 and co-founding its Youth League in 1944.

As apartheid entrenched itself under the National Party’s white-only government, Mandela and the ANC became dedicated to dismantling it. He rose within the ANC’s ranks, gaining prominence through his involvement in key campaigns and trials, such as the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and the Treason Trial in 1956.

Initially advocating non-violent means, Mandela’s ideology shifted influenced by Marxism. He clandestinely joined the banned South African Communist Party (SACP) and co-founded the militant uMkhonto we Sizwe in 1961.

Engaging in a sabotage campaign against the government. Consequently, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring against the state after the Rivonia Trial in 1962.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison across various facilities, becoming a symbol of resistance against apartheid. Amid mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, President F. W. de Klerk released him in 1990.

Together, Mandela and de Klerk spearheaded negotiations to end apartheid, leading to the landmark 1994 multiracial elections where Mandela’s ANC emerged victorious, marking the start of his presidency.

During his presidency, Mandela’s government focused on reconciliation, creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights violations.

Despite his socialist beliefs, Mandela retained the liberal economic framework, implementing reforms to address poverty, healthcare and land reform.

Internationally, Mandela played a crucial role as a mediator and served in various capacities, such as secretary-general of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999. Refusing a second term, he passed the presidency to his deputy, Thabo Mbeki, dedicating his later years to humanitarian causes through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Mandela remains a figure of global admiration for his fight for democracy and social justice. Despite controversy and criticism from different quarters, he received over 250 honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Within South Africa, he is affectionately referred to as Madiba, his Thembu clan name, and revered as the “Father of the Nation.”

Early life

Childhood: 1918–1934

Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, hailed from South Africa’s Thembu royal family in Mvezo. Initially called Rolihlahla (“troublemaker”), he later became known as Madiba, from his clan name. His lineage traced back to Ngubengcuka, a Thembu Kingdom ruler, and his grandfather, Mandela, from whom he got his surname.

Mandela’s father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, served as a chief but was dismissed over alleged corruption, a fact Mandela learned differently later on. Raised in traditional Xhosa customs, Mandela grew up in Qunu, tending cattle and attending a local Methodist school, where he received the English name “Nelson.”

After his father’s death, Mandela was raised by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo at Mqhekezweni palace, influenced by Christian teachings and Methodist schooling. Mandela’s education exposed him to African history and anti-imperialist ideas, initially viewing European colonizers as benefactors.

At 16, Mandela underwent the ulwaluko circumcision ritual, symbolizing his transition to manhood, and was named Dalibunga. These formative years shaped Mandela’s cultural roots, blending tradition with an evolving worldview shaped by education and societal changes.

Clarkebury, Healdtown, and Fort Hare: 1934–1940

In 1933, Mandela began secondary education at Clarkebury Methodist High School in Engcobo to become a privy councillor for the Thembu royal house. This institution broke his reserved attitude; he developed his first close friendship, engaged in sports, and cultivated a love for gardening. Completing his Junior Certificate in two years, he moved to Healdtown, a Methodist college in Fort Beaufort.

At Healdtown, Mandela encountered European cultural emphasis but gravitated toward native African culture. Engaging in sports like running and boxing, he became a prefect in his second year. In 1939, backed by Jongintaba, he pursued a BA degree at the University of Fort Hare. Immersed in various subjects, he formed strong bonds with peers like Oliver Tambo and engaged in diverse activities, supporting the British war effort during World War II.

However, his university journey faced disruption when leading an SRC boycott over food quality led to his suspension, and he never completed his degree.

Revolutionary activity and imprisonment

Law studies and the ANC Youth League: 1943–1949

Mandela pursued law studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, facing racism as the sole black African student. He formed friendships with diverse students and  engaging in political activism.  Joining the ANC which influenced by Sisulu and he co-founded the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in 1944. Advocating for African independence and he met Evelyn Mase and married her in 1944.

Settling in Orlando, they had two children. Mandela worked on his law degree after completing articles at a law firm, funding his studies with loans. Following Lembede’s passing in 1947 and Mandela became ANCYL secretary under Peter Mda’s leadership, despite differing views on collaboration . He also held roles in the ANC’s Transvaal Province branch, challenging leaders cooperating with non-blacks and communists.The 1948 South African election, open only to whites, ushered in the National Party and apartheid laws. Mandela intensified advocacy for direct action against apartheid within the ANC and  leading to shifts in leadership approaches.  Despite his activism, academic struggles resulted in his denial of a degree from Witwatersrand in 1949.

Defiance Campaign and Transvaal ANC Presidency: 1950–1954

In 1950, Mandela assumed leadership roles in the ANC and ANCYL. He opposed a multi-racial strike, leading to increased police crackdowns.

Shifting from Africanism, he embraced a multi-racial approach against apartheid. Influenced by communist ideals, he delved into Marxist literature, eventually supporting the classless society concept.

The ANC’s Defiance Campaign in 1952 marked Mandela’s arrest and brief internment, elevating his national status.

The campaign’s success surged ANC membership but led to government arrests and the Public Safety Act introduction. Facing legal challenges.

Mandela received a suspended sentence in 1952 and endured a ban on public appearances, impacting his presidency and campaign’s decline.

He strategized the M-Plan for the ANC’s potential ban, while practicing law and opening the first African-run law firm, known for handling police brutality cases.

Amidst personal struggles with Evelyn and familial disapproval of his political path, Mandela’s commitment to anti-apartheid activism and legal practice persisted.

Illness and death: 2011–2013

In February 2011, Mandela was briefly hospitalized for a respiratory infection and readmitted for lung and gallstone issues in December 2012. He underwent medical procedures but faced recurring health problems, leading to hospital stays in early March and June 2013. Despite discharge in September, his condition remained unstable.

On December 5, 2013, Mandela passed away at age 95, surrounded by family at his home in Houghton. President Zuma announced his death, declaring a period of national mourning. Memorial events, including a service at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium and a state funeral in Qunu, were held. Representatives from around 90 countries attended, but controversy emerged over funds redirected for the funeral.

Tributes flooded in, and social media was filled with images commemorating Mandela’s legacy.

Personality and Personal life

Mandela was known for his charismatic leadership, projecting an image of regality through his attire and demeanor. He meticulously maintained his public image, often dressed impeccably, popularizing the vibrant “Madiba shirts” during his presidency.

Considered highly intelligent and shrewd, Mandela excelled in presenting himself well in public, although his speeches were formal and relied on familiar phrases. Despite not being a captivating orator, he conveyed commitment, charm, and occasional humor.

Privately, Mandela led an austere life, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. He was known for his wit and warm demeanor, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, including opponents.

His religious inclinations were a blend of Methodist Christianity and African principles like Ubuntu, leaning more toward Christian humanism without a strong religious faith.

In his personal life, Mandela’s relationships were intricate. He married thrice, fathered six children, and had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His parenting style ranged from sternness with his children to affectionate interactions with his grandchildren.

Mandela navigated the complexities of leadership, personal challenges, and public perception with resilience and unwavering dedication.