Nelson Mandela

Overview

Born
July 18, 1918 · Mvezo, Union of South Africa [now South Africa]
Died
December 5, 2013 · Johannesburg, South Africa (acute respiratory infection)
Birth name
Rolihlahla Mandela
Nickname
- Madiba
Height
6′ 0½″ (1.84 m)

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013) was the former leader of the African National Congress (ANC). He was known for his lifelong struggle against apartheid (enforced racial separation), which was instituted in South Africa in 1948. The ANC was soon declared a terrorist organization and banned by the South African government. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and imprisoned for life on "terrorist" charges, but in 1990, he was freed by South African president F.W. de Klerk. In 1994, Mandela was elected president of South Africa.

Two biographical films were made and Mandela and de Klerk (1997) focused on Mandela's life's struggles.
- IMDb mini biography by: realndn06

The name Nelson was given to him on his first day of primary school; the name Rolihlahla means "tree-shaker" but is also a Xhosa slang for "troublemaker."
First black president of the Republic of South Africa (1994 - 1999)
Imprisoned at Robben Island Prison (1963 - 1980s). The prison is now a tourist attraction after Mandela's release.
His third wife, Graça Machel, holds the distinction of being the only woman in history to hold the title of first lady of two independent nations. She was first lady of Mozambique from June 25, 1975 to October 19, 1986 when her first husband, Samora Machel, served as president. She became first lady of South Africa July 18, 1998 to June 14, 1999, when she married President Nelson Mandela.
He is an honorary member of the British Labour Party.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.