CONCEPT – NELSON R. MANDELA

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CONCEPT – NELSON R. MANDELA

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• Personal details: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. His father was the chief councillor to his local tribe, and Mandela was groomed to be the next chief of the tribe.
• Unjust South African society: At university, Nelson Mandela realised that the black South Africans had little opportunities. He became involved in politics, and along with his friend Oliver Tambo was expelled from Fort Hare for organising a student strike. Mandela was able to finish his degree and qualified as a Lawyer.
• First black law firm: In 1952 Mandela and Tambo opened the first Black Law firm in South Africa. The Transvaal Law Society tried to have it closed down, although this was blocked by the South African Supreme Court. Mandela was instrumental in pushing the ANC into more direct action such as the 1952 Defiance Campaign and later acts of sabotage.
• Late 1950s: By the late 50s the S.A.state had become increasingly repressive making it more difficult for the ANC to operate. Mandela now worked underground. In the late 50s, a Treason Trial found Mandela and several others charged with treason. Conducting their own defence they proved to be victorious. Mandela noted in his autobiography the judiciary were one of the least repressive parts of the South African State and in theory sought to follow the rule of law.
• 1960 Sharpeville massacre: 63 black South African’s died, and this changed the whole political climate. South Africa was increasingly isolated on the international scene and the government banned the ANC. This led Mandela to advocate armed struggle. By 1962 Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison.
• In the prison: Life was tough and uncompromising. Mandela revealed in his Biography how he sought to make the best use of his time. He helped to keep other Men’s spirits high and never compromised his political principles when offered early release. South Africa was isolated internationally.
• Release in 1990: Although negotiations were painfully slow and difficult, they eventually led to Mandela’s release in 1990, after 27 years! The next 4 years were also difficult as South African society suffered inter-cultural violence between ANC and Inkarta supporters, in addition to slow progress on a new constitution.
• First democratic President: On 10 May 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State President of South Africa on and was President until June 1999. As president, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid.
• Policies as President: His advocacy of reconciliation led to international acclaim and importantly the trust of the White African population. Despite the initial euphoria of winning the election the ANC faced a difficult challenge to improve the lives of the black population. This was made more difficult by the HIV epidemic, which continues to cause problems.
• Retirement and death: Post retirement, Nelson Mandela continued to be an international figure of great stature. He was widely admired and has received many prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize. He passed away on 05th December, 2013. He is widely regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation".

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