Nelson Mandela is one of the most recognizable symbols of the human rights movement in the XX century - a man whose devotion to the cause of freedom of his nation inspires human rights defenders around the world.
Future ardent fighter for freedom was born in a small village on 18 July 1918. At birth, the boy was given the name Rolihlahla, which in translation from Xhosa language means, "ripping off tree branches," or simply "mischievous". Rolihlahla Mandela became the first in the family, who went to school. His first teacher gave him English name – Nelson.
He received primary education at the school of the Methodist Church. Then he continued his studies at the University College of Fort Hare, where he received a degree of Master of Arts. At the time, this university was the only higher education institution in the country, which had the right to study blacks and Indians. During the studying, Nelson interested in boxing and running.
In 1943, Mandela was under the strong influence of the liberal and radical ideas, for the first time took part in the mass protests, and began attending meetings of young intellectuals, held at the initiative of the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC). Later, in April 1944, Mandela joined the ANC and, together with his associates took part in the creation of the ANC Youth League, later becoming its head. It is significant that the Youth League has taken in relation to the authorities of the country more militant stance than the ANC itself.
Future politician combined political life with the professional, and in 1951 was admitted to the Collegium of Advocates in Johannesburg. Together with his friend and colleague Oliver Tambo, who later also became a prominent figure in the ANC, opened his own law firm in Johannesburg, in which free or for a token money provided legal assistance to black Africans.
In 1952, Mandela was one of the organizers of the campaign of disobedience, held on the initiative of the ANC. In 1955, he participated in the organization of the People’s Congress, which adopted the Freedom Charter. It outlined the basic principles of a free and democratic society in South Africa. Charter has become the main policy document of the ANC and other political organizations in South Africa, who fought against the apartheid regime.
In 1961, Mandela led the ANC's armed wing, which carried out sabotage against the government policy and the military, and allowed, in case of failure in the fight against the apartheid regime, conducting guerrilla warfare. Mandela managed to attract money abroad and to organize military training.
In August 1962, Mandela, who was by this time in search of 17 months, was arrested and jailed in Johannesburg. During his speech in court April 20, 1964 in the Supreme Court in Pretoria, next president of South Africa said that the ANC resorted to violence only after all peaceful means of struggle have been exhausted.
Eighteen of 27 years in prison, Mandela spent in solitary confinement in prison on Robben Island, near Cape of Good Hope. All the prisoners there were divided by color, and black people received the smallest portion of food. Furthermore, political prisoners were kept separate from ordinary criminals.
The future Nobel Peace Prize winner was released after the signing of the last white president of South Africa, Frederik de Klerk's decree on the legalization of the ANC and other movements against the apartheid regime. The release of Mandela was broadcast live around the world.
On the day of his release, he gave a speech to the nation; saying in particular about strives for peaceful reconciliation between the black and white nations. Shortly after the release, Mandela returned to the post of leader of the ANC, and in the period from 1990 to 1994, he party took part in the negotiations on the abolition of the apartheid regime, which resulted in the holding of the first national elections on the equal basis.
In 1993, Mandela and de Klerk were awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize.
In April 1994, South Africa held democratic elections, as a result of which the ANC received 62% of the vote, and Mandela who led his May 10, 1994 has officially become the president of the country. During his stay in power, Mandela has taken a number of important social and economic reforms aimed at addressing social and economic inequalities in South Africa.
An active supporter of the armed struggle against white minority rule in the past, South African President Mandela stood on the position of national and racial reconciliation. He forgave recent enemies and sought to unite South Africans within the spirit "of the nation all the colors of the rainbow", advocating the creation of a society in which all races and nationalities have democratic rights enjoyed equally.
However, not all the dreams of the first black President of South Africa became a reality. After more than 10 years, after Mandela left big politics, in South Africa black racism has gained strength. It is extremely difficult to get a job for nonblack citizen of the country.
After retiring from the political scene, Mandela appeared mainly in connection with the activities of the Mandela Foundation - a charitable organization, which he founded. In addition, at the age of 89 years, he formed a Council of Elders, which included leading politicians of the world. Elders offered their knowledge and experience to solve some of the most complex global problems.
Nelson Mandela has been married three times. With his first wife he lived from 1944 to 1958, Evelyn (1922-2004). In this marriage were born four children - two daughters and two sons. One of his sons died in infancy. Marriage to a second wife Winnie (1934) lasted from 1958 to 1996. They had two daughters. The third time, Mandela married in 1998, Graça Machel (1945), the widowof President of Mozambique Samora Machel.
Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95 in 2013.
