Thursday, December 12, 2013

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was one of the greatest men ever known for being the first black president and also for his ways in changing and making the world a better place. He protested against racism and put an end to apartheid. These are some things that he will definitely be remembered for.

Nelson Mandela was born on July the 18th, 1918 in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. But he was actually named Rolihlahla Mandela then was called Nelson from his primary school teacher. The primary school he attended was near Qunu. When he was 16, Nelson went to Clarkebury Boarding Institute in Engcobo. He then enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare in Alice but was then expelled a year later for being involved in a student strike.

A few years later in 1942, Nelson joined the African National Congress (ANC) and started to attend their meetings. He played the role of South Africa’s main campaigner for equality but was also involved in the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). A while later, in 1960 the ANC was banned.

Nelson joined 155 others in an arrest and was put on trial for treason in the year 1956. Then in 1962 he was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison for leaving the country without a passport. One of the reasons he left was for military training. The first time he appeared in court was with other members of the ANC for being accused of trying to stop the apartheid. He pleaded not guilty but was sentenced to life in jail. All except 2 spent only 18 years instead of lifetime in jail. Nelson was sent to Robben Island for his sentence.

After 27 years of being in prison Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. A few hours after his release, he promised that he would end the apartheid. 
On the May 9th, 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected as the first president of a democratic South Africa.
That same year the ANC was unbanned and he was elected as the Deputy President.

In his later years of his life, he was mainly discharged and admitted time after time into hospital. He spent his 95th birthday in hospital with his family then died on the 5th of December 2013.

Nelson Mandela made a huge difference in the world and that his message definitely reached everyone. He will be remembered by everyone.

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