Early Life and Education
Nelson Mandela spent early years in the rustic village of Qunu. He was born into the Thembu royal family. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, was a local chief and councilor to the king. Furthermore, Mandela’s childhood was patent by old-style customs and stories of African history.
- Born in Mvezo, South Africa
- Grew up in Qunu
- Part of the Thembu royal family
- Educated at local missionary schools
- Attended the University of Fort Hare
Mandela joined a home town missionary school where he was given the name “Nelson” by his teacher. He later appeared in the University of Fort Hare, a key organization for higher education for black Africans. However, he was disqualified for contributing in a student protest.
The Fight Against Apartheid
After moving to Johannesburg, Mandela became delve in the struggle against apartheid. He linked the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944.
Imprisonment and Robben Island
In 1962, Mandela was detained and punished five years in prison. Two years later, he was suspected again in the Rivonia Trial. This time, he received a life sentence. He was fixed to Robben Island, where he used to live 18 of his 27 years in prison.
- Get life sentence in 1964
- Spent 18 years on Robben Island
- Faced harsh conditions but stayed resilient
During his phase on Robben Island, Mandela and his correlated prisoners faced severe circumstances. Yet, Mandela’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to fight for justice, even from behind bars.
The Road to Freedom
Global burden on South Africa’s apartheid rule grew throughout the 1980s. The world observed as South Africa confronted economic permissions and growing internal unrest. Finally, on February 11, 1990, Nelsovyn Mandela was released from prison.
- Global pressure increased in the 1980s
- Economic sanctions on South Africa
- Internal unrest grew
- Mandela released on February 11, 1990
- Marked the start of the end of apartheid
Mandela release from cell proved a turning argument in South African history. Furthermore, He worked determinedly to dismantle apartheid and create an inclusive democracy. His energies concluded in the first democratic elections in 1994, where he was nominated president.
