Nelson Mandella is South Africa's first black president, politician, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Delphic Youth Ambassador. Nelson Mandella proved to be an ardent defender of human rights during the apartheid era
Childhood and family of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mfezo in South Africa. His father belonged to a family of rulers, but did not have valid rights to the throne. Gadl Henry Mandela, Nelson's father, presided over the council of the Tembu tribe. He had four wives and 13 children, one of whom was Nelson himself. When relations with the village authorities deteriorated, Nelson's father and four of his wives moved to the Tsgun settlement, but retained their seats on the Tembu Privy Council.
At birth, the parents gave the boy the name Holilala, which means "Prankster". But when he entered school, the teacher gave him the nickname Nelson. Why exactly he received such a name, the boy did not know. This was the practice of all African tribes. During the apartheid era, all African children in school were given European names by teachers. Perhaps this was a kind of tribute to the British authorities.
At the age of 9, Nelson's father dies, and the mother gives the child to be raised in the palace of Jongintab Delidiebo, who becomes his mentor. Nelson attends school near the palace. Nelson loved to study, and as a result, he got his education certificate a year ahead of schedule. Then he continued his studies at the university. His guardian wanted to forcefully marry Nelson to the bride chosen for him, but the young man did not agree with this and fled. University studies had to be interrupted. After this disagreement and long negotiations, relations with Nelson's guardian improved, he continued to attend classes, but at another university.
To solve his financial problems, Nelson got a job as a clerk in a law firm, in this he was helped by his knowledge of the humanities. Graduated by correspondence from the South African Institute.
Political biography of Nelson Mandella
Nelson did not receive his diploma because he did not manage to graduate from the university. Since 1943, he has taken part in various anti-government rallies. In the same year, Nelson became a member of the African National Congress. His political career begins.
In 1948, Mandella became a member of the ANC Youth League, then the president of this organization. An incomplete legal education helped the future national leader to found his own law firm. In it, representatives of the African race received free consultations to resolve legal issues.
In 1955, the People's Congress was created, in which Nelson Mundella played an important role. With his assistance, the principles of equality of black and white people were formulated, which became the basis of the Freedom Charter. Based on these principles, Nelson becomes a defender of human rights, draws the attention of politicians to the different attitudes towards representatives of the black and white population.
In 1961, Nelson became a member of an armed anti-government uprising. After his suppression, Mandella hides from the authorities for some time, and then comes under arrest. His sentence was 27 years in solitary confinement.
Continuation of the political struggle
Nelson Mandella falls under the amnesty announced to all political prisoners in 1990 and again becomes the head of the African National Congress. He participates in negotiations with the British government, the purpose of which is to abolish apartheid. As a result of a long political struggle, Nelson Mandella becomes the first black president of South Africa.
During his presidency, Neslson works to improve the lives of the population, rebuilds schools, and increases social spending. The President is carrying out reforms in the areas of social security, education and medicine. Nelson Mundella was able to achieve equal rights for the black and white population.
Personal life of Nelson Mundella
Nelson's family life was pretty complicated. Over the years, he was married three times, and despite his constant work, he tried to devote a lot of time to his family. The president had three children from his first marriage, and two daughters from the second. Grace's third wife Machel was with Nelson until his death.
Nelson Mandella's political career ended in 1998 when, due to an old illness, he submitted his resignation letter. The famous political leader died in 2013 with family and friends.
