# Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who served as the first democratically elected president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He spent 27 years imprisoned on Robben Island for his armed resistance to apartheid before his release in 1990, which led to the negotiated end of apartheid. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside F.W. de Klerk, he became a global symbol of dignity, reconciliation, and the struggle for human rights.

## Quick Facts

- **Born:** July 18, 1918
- **Birthplace:** Mvezo, South Africa
- **Nationality:** South African
- **Occupation:** President / Anti-Apartheid Leader
- **Category:** Power & Politics
- **Also Known As:** Madiba, Tata

## Timeline

### 1918 — Born in Mvezo
Rolihlahla Mandela born in Mvezo, Union of South Africa.

### 1944 — Joins ANC Youth League
Joins the African National Congress Youth League, beginning his political activism.

### 1962 — Arrested
Arrested and charged with leaving the country illegally and inciting workers' strikes.

### 1964 — Sentenced to Life
Sentenced to life imprisonment at the Rivonia Trial. Sent to Robben Island.

### 1990 — Released from Prison
Released from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years, 6 months, and 6 days.

### 1993 — Nobel Peace Prize
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with F.W. de Klerk.

### 1994 — Inaugurated as President
Inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected and first Black president.

### 2013 — Death
Nelson Mandela dies at age 95. Ten days of national mourning declared.

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Source: https://peoplebio.info/p/nelson-mandela