Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, (born July 18, 1918), was the first democratically elected President of South Africa, having previously been a prominent anti-apartheid activist there. Initially committed to non-violence, he later became involved in the planning of underground armed resistance activities, such as sabotage. Mandela's 27-year imprisonment, much of which he spent in a tiny prison cell on Robben Island, became one of the most widely publicised examples of apartheid's injustices. Upon his release in 1990, the policy of reconciliation he pursued enabled a peaceful transition to a new, democratic South Africa - an enormous achievement which many South Africans believe would have been impossible without his influence.

Political activity

As a young student, Mandela became involved in political opposition to the white minority government's denial of political, social, and economic rights to South Africa's black majority. Joining the African National Congress in 1942, he founded its more dynamic Youth League two years later, together with Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and others.

Related Topics:
African National Congress - 1942 - Youth League - Walter Sisulu - Oliver Tambo

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After the 1948 election victory of the Afrikaner-dominated National Party with its apartheid policy of racial segregation, Mandela was prominent in the ANC's 1952 Defiance Campaign and the 1955 Congress of the People, whose adoption of the Freedom Charter provided the fundamental program of the anti-apartheid cause. During this time, Mandela and fellow lawyer Oliver Tambo operated the law firm of Mandela and Tambo, providing free or low-cost legal counsel to many blacks who would otherwise have been without legal representation.

Related Topics:
1948 - Afrikaner - National Party - Apartheid - Racial segregation - 1952 - Defiance Campaign - 1955 - Congress of the People - Freedom Charter - Mandela and Tambo - Blacks

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Initially committed to non-violent mass struggle, he and 150 others were arrested on 5 December 1956, and charged with treason. The marathon Treason Trial of 1956–61 followed, and all were acquitted. After the Sharpeville Massacre in March 1960, coupled with the subsequent banning of the ANC and other anti-apartheid groups, Mandela and his colleagues decided on a course of armed action in order to effect change.

Related Topics:
5 December - 1956 - Treason Trial - 61 - Sharpeville Massacre - 1960

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