“It always seems impossible until it’s done”
-Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013)
Did you know?
- he was born into the Madiba clan of Transkei, where his father was the principal counsellor to the Acting King of the Thembu people
- at 12 years old, he became the ward of Jongintaba at the Great Palace in Mahekezweni
- after completing a BA degree, he graduated with a law diploma and set up South Africa’s first black law firm, Mandela & Tambo
- repeatedly arrested for seditious (resistance to authority) activities, he was sentenced in the Rivonia Trials, serving 27 years in prison, mainly on Robben Island
- he was released by President FW de Klerk, under increasing pressure and fears of a racist civil war
- he led the ANC (African National Congress) to victory, becoming the first President of South Africa (1994-1999)
- has received many honors and accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize
- regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice, he is described as the “Father of the (South African) Nation”
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