Nelson Mandela Biography Summary - Summary
Nelson Mandela is a legendary figure known for his remarkable life story and his role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, on 18 July 1918, Mandela’s journey began in humble beginnings. His mother, Nonqaphi Nosekeni, and his father, Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, served as the principal counselor to Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the Acting King of the Thembu people. Sadly, in 1930, when Mandela was just 12 years old, his father passed away. This tragic event led young Rolihlahla to become a ward of Jongintaba at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni.
Early Education and Influences
Rolihlahla Mandela completed his primary schooling in Qunu, where his teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave him the name Nelson, following the custom of assigning “Christian” names to schoolchildren. He later received his Junior Certificate at Clarkebury Boarding Institute and attended Healdtown, a well-regarded Wesleyan secondary school, where he matriculated.
Path to Activism
Nelson Mandela began pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University College of Fort Hare, but he did not finish his studies there due to expulsion after he participated in a student protest. He eventually completed his BA through the University of South Africa and returned to Fort Hare for his graduation in 1943.
In 1944, Mandela married Evelyn Mase, a nurse and cousin of Walter Sisulu. The couple had two sons, Madiba Thembekile “Thembi” and Makgatho, along with two daughters both named Makaziwe, with the first tragically passing away in infancy. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1958.
On 10 May 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected President. He married his third wife, Graça Machel, on his 80th birthday in 1998. True to his commitment, Mandela chose to step down in 1999 after completing one term as President. He continued to dedicate himself to philanthropic work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, which he established in 1995, as well as the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
Mandela is among the most quoted—and sometimes misquoted—figures globally. This is particularly ironic as, for much of his life, he was unable to speak freely. During apartheid in South Africa, quoting Mandela could lead to criminal records and imprisonment. He was banned from speaking publicly starting in December 1952, and he remained in custody from 5 August 1962 until 11 February 1990.
For further details, download the Nelson Mandela Autobiography PDF using the link given below.
