Nelson Mandela

Rolihlahla Mandela (known as Nelson Mandela) was born on the 18th of July 1918 in a small village in Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa. Nelson’s father, who had destined to be a chief, served as a councellor of tribal chief’s for many years, but lost his title and fortune. Nelson was very young when his father’s loss forced his mother to move the family to a even smaller village in the north of Mvezo. The family lived in huts and ate only local harvests. His father’s friend had suggested to baptize Mandela in a Methodist Church. He then was the first in the family to go to school. Mandela’s teacher told him his new first name would be Nelson, as it was a tradition. Nelson was 9 when his father had died of lung disease. He was then adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, an acting regent of Thembu people. Mandela’s father had recommeded to make Jongintaba a chief. Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1942. for 20 years, he directed a campaign for peace, against the South African government and its racist policies, in 1993. Mandela and a south african president, F.W. de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country’s apartheid system. In 1994, he was South Africa’s first black president. In 2009, his birthday was known as “Mandela Day” to promote global peace. Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. R.I.P Nelson Mandela (the man who brought peace to the world and changed lives). He has truly left his mark on the world.