Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist. He served as South Africa's first Black president from 1994 to 1999, becoming a global icon for peace, democracy, and reconciliation. Early Life and Education * Born as Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo, South Africa, belonging to the Thembu royal family. * Studied law at the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Witwatersrand. * Opened South Africa’s first Black law practice with Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg in 1952. * Anti-Apartheid Activism and Imprisonment * Joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943 and co-founded the ANC Youth League in 1944. * Led peaceful protests initially, but later co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) in 1961 to wage armed resistance against apartheid. * Arrested in 1962, tried during the Rivonia Trial, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964. * Spent 27 years in prison, primarily on Robben Island, becoming an international symbol of resistance. Presidency and Later Years * Released from prison on February 11, 1990, by President F.W. de Klerk, leading to negotiations to end white-minority rule. * Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with F.W. de Klerk in 1993. * Elected president in South Africa's first fully democratic multiracial elections in 1994. * Focused on national reconciliation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission before stepping down in 1999 to work with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. #biography
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