DOCSLIB.ORG

Nelson Mandela & the End of Apartheid Ab

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nelson Mandela & the End of Apartheid Ab NELSON MANDELA (1918-2013) NELSON MANDELA ACHIEVEMENTS • He was the first black president of South Africa (1994–99). • His negotiations in the early 1990s with South African President F.W. de Klerk helped end the country’s apartheid system of racial segregation. • Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE EARLY LIFE • Nelson Mandela was born on July 18th, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa, to the Tembu royal family. His father was the Chief of the Xhosa-speaking Tembu people. He had 4 wives and 13 children. • After his father’s death, he renounced his claim to the chieftainship to become a lawyer. • He studied law and passed the qualification exam to become a lawyer. NELSON MANDELA’S FATHER GADLA HENRY MPHAKANYISWA MVEZO (EASTERN CAPE) ANC • In 1944, at the age of 26, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), an African liberation group and soon became one of its leaders, opposing the government segregation policies. • That same year he met and married his first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase, a nurse, who gave him 4 children. • 1948: beginning of the apartheid system. MARRIAGE WITH EVELYN NTOKO MASE PASS LAWS • In 1952, in Johannesburg, he established South Africa’s first black law practice. • That year, he also launched a campaign against South Africa’s Pass Laws, which required nonwhites to carry documents authorising their presence in areas generally reserved for the white population. FREEDOM CHARTER • He then travelled throughout the country, building support for non violent means of protest against apartheid. • In 1955 he helped draft the Freedom Charter, a document calling for non racial social democracy in South Africa, which will serve as basis for the 1994 Constitution. ARREST • In 1956 he was arrested for the first time on charge of antiapartheid activities. • Meanwhile he divorced his first wife and married Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela, better known as Winnie, the “Mother of the Nation” who led the African National Congress Women’s League for many years. She bore him 2 daughters. Her reputation was eventually compromised by charges of kidnappings, murders and misappropriation. WINNIE MANDELA MASS EVICTIONS • Between 1960 and 1983, 3.5 million black Africans were removed from their homes and forced into segregated neighbourhoods, in some of the largest mass evictions in modern history. • These removals were intended to restrict the black population to 10 "tribal homelands", also known as bantustans. • The government announced that relocated persons would lose their South African citizenship as they were absorbed into the bantustans. UNDERCOVER ACTIVITIES • After a massacre of unarmed blacks by the police at Sharpeville in 1960 (69 were killed and180 injured), Mandela abandoned his non violent stance and began advocating acts of sabotage against the South African regime. • He went undercover and was one of the founders of the military wing of the ANC. • In 1962 Mandela was arrested at a road block in Natal and sentenced to 5 years in prison. RIVONIA TRIAL • In 1963 the imprisoned Mandela was tried for treason, and violent conspiracy in the Rivonia Trial, named after a suburb of Johannesburg where the police had discovered quantities of arms and equipment at the headquarters of the underground wing of the ANC. • In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. ROBBEN ISLAND • From 1964 to 1982 Mandela was incarcerated at Robben Island prison, off Cape Town. • He was subsequently kept at another maximum-security prison until 1988, when, after being treated for tuberculosis, he was transferred to a prison near Cape Town. ROBBEN ISLAND PRESIDENTS BOTHA AND DE KLERK • Throughout his incarceration, Mandela retained wide support among South Africa’s black population, and the international community that condemned apartheid. • In 1986 South Africa’s most important trading partners (the USA, the EU, and Japan) imposed economic sanctions. • As South Africa’s political situation deteriorated after 1988, he was engaged by President P.W. Botha’s government in exploratory negotiations. He then met with Botha’s successor, de Klerk, in December 1989. REALEASED • On February 11, 1990, the South African government under President de Klerk released Mandela from prison after 28 years. • Shortly after his release, Mandela was chosen deputy President of the ANC; he became President of the party in July 1991. • Mandela led the ANC in negotiations with de Klerk to end apartheid and bring about a peaceful transition to non racial democracy in South Africa. END OF APARTHEID • Apartheid was dismantled in a series of negotiations from 1990 to 1991; • 1991-94: transitional period; • 1994 general elections, the first in South Africa held with universal suffrage. PRESIDENCY • In April 1994 the Mandela-led ANC won South Africa’s first elections by universal suffrage, and on May 10 Mandela was sworn in as President of the country’s first multiethnic government. • He established in 1995 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which investigated human rights violations under apartheid. CONSTITUTION • In 1996 he oversaw the enactment of a new democratic Constitution. • Mandela resigned his post with the ANC in 1997, transferring leadership of the party to his designated successor, Thabo Mbeki (Master degree in economics and 28 years in exile). • Mandela divorced Winnie in 1996. In 1998 he married Graça Machel, the widow of Samora Machel, the former Mozambican president and leader of Frelimo (Mozambique Liberation Front) . GRAÇA MACHEL, TWICE FIRST LADY THABO MBEKI • Mandela did not seek a second term as President and was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki in 1999. • After leaving office Mandela retired from active politics but maintained a strong international presence as an advocate of peace, reconciliation, and social justice, through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, established in 1999. • He died on December 5th, 2013, in Johannesburg. MANDELA DAY • Mandela Day, observed on Mandela’s birthday, was created to honour his legacy by promoting community service around the world. It was first observed on July 18th, 2009. • Later that year the United Nations declared that the day would be observed annually as Nelson Mandela International Day. SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHLIGHTS • 1910 – nominal independence (dominion status) • 1931 – independentwithin the Commonwealth. Still had a Governor General and recognized the King as Monarch. • 1948 – beginning of apartheid system • 1960-83 - 3.5 million black Africans are deported. • 1961 - fully independent. A Republic is formed. A President replaces the Governor General. • 1990-1- Abolition of apartheid system. • 1994 - first universal elections held. SOUTH AFRICA: 3 CAPITALS: PRETORIA (CABINET), CAPE TOWN (PARLIAMENT), BLOEMFOUNTAIN (JUDICIARY) SOURCES • BBC – History • Encyclopedia Britannica • Wikipedia • Online Archives – Department of History.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Elders Support Mandela Day 2011 Celebrating Nelson Mandela’S Birthday; Changing the World for the Better
    The Elders support Mandela Day 2011 Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s birthday; changing the world for the better 15 July 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Elders have announced their support for Mandela Day 2011, a day to encourage people around the world to take concrete action in the service of others. Celebrated globally on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Monday 18 July, Mandela Day aiMs to show that we can all play a part in changing the world for the better. Now retired froM public life, Nelson Mandela has called on younger generations to take up the fight for a fairer, More peaceful world. “It is tiMe for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of huManity,” he says. “It is in your hands.” Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the fight for the rights of huManity. In this spirit, on 18 July 2011, Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday, people around the world are encouraged to dedicate 67 Minutes to serving their coMMunity and helping to build a global MoveMent for good. In a Message to Mark Mandela Day, Chair of The Elders Desmond Tutu wrote: “On his birthday, Madiba has asked us to do soMething, not for hiM, but for our fellow huMan beings. Join us in Marking Mandela Day by celebrating our collective power to do good for others and Making the world we share a happier and fairer place.” Nelson Mandela’s wife and fellow founder of The Elders, Graça Machel said: “Mandela Day is a chance for each of us to do what we can for the huMan family that Madiba cares so Much about.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Invite 17 July 2013 NELSON MANDELA DAY CELEBRATION On
    Media Invite 17 July 2013 NELSON MANDELA DAY CELEBRATION On 18 July 2013, individuals and organisations around the world will spend at least 67 minutes doing good work in their own communities in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela gave in service and sacrifice. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664, in association with the other sister organisations, have called for Mandela Day to be recognised as an annual International “Day of Humanitarian Action” in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. The Department of Energy officials will spend 67 minutes on this day doing community services at various places across the country. The DoE events are organised as follows: Date : 18 July 2013 Venue 1 : Siyathuthuka Crèche and Kwa-Mashu’s Emseni Community Projects in Edendale, Kwa Zulu Natal DoE Messenger: Deputy Mister of Energy, Ms Barbara Thomson. Activities: Deputy Minister to spend time with the children at the Cretch, hand over learning materials, food parcels, mattress, school uniform, toys etc. Venue 2 : Crossroads and Child Soul Care Shelters Salvokop (Freedom Park), Pretoria, Gauteng Province DoE Messenger/s : DoE Senior Managers DoE to handover Groceries, Learning materials, Mattresses, blankets etc. Venue 3 : Onkabetse Care Centre in Vosloorus, Gauteng DoE Messenger/s : DoE Senior Messengers DoE to handover two wheelchairs, Blankets, Food parcels, do painting at the centre etc. Time/s : 09h00 for 09h30 Issued by Ms Thandiwe Maimane, Spokesperson of the Department of Energy For Inquiries contact : [email protected] / [email protected], Tel: 012 406 7481 / Cell: 082 766 3674 For RSVP [email protected], Tel: 012 406 7475 / Cell: 073 762 9228 .
    [Show full text]
  • ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT Annual Report October 1987
    ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT Annual Report October 1987 - September 1988 President: The Rt Revd Trevor Huddleston CR Vice Presidents: Sir Hugh Casson KCVO Jack Jones CH Joan Lestor MP Rt Hon David Steel MP Sponsors: Merle Amory Ray Buckton Julie Christie Jerry 'Demmers Basil Davidson Professor Dorothy Hodgkin OM Bill Morris Dafydd Ells Thomas MP Pauline Wabb Rt Revd Wilfred Wood Chairperson: Bob Hughes MP Vic-heirpemons: Dan Thee, Suresh Kameth Hon Treasurer: Vella Pillay Hon Secretary: Abdul S Minty Executive Secretary: Mike Terry Deputy Executive Secretary: Alan Brooks Staff: Colin Adkins Stuart Bell Lorraine Carver (from May 1988) Jacqui Collison (from March 1988) Rosalind Epson Vanessa Eyre Mick Flynn Elizabeth George Chitre Karve Mike Ketchum Sue, Longbottom Joni McDougall (from Jenuary 1988) Clive Nelson Ngozi Onwurah (from October 1988) Mamta Singh Karen Talbot Tim Walker (from March 1988) Typsattingtlayout: Nancy White CONTENTS Introduction .......................... 3 South Africa ......................... 8 Namibia ........................... 10 Front Line States ..................... 11 CAMPAIGNS Sanctions Now[ ...................... 12 Nelson Mandela: Freedom at 70 ............. 13 Economic collaboration .... ..........18 - Disinvestment 18; Banking 18; Gold 18; Trade 19; Consumer boycott 19; Coal 20; Uranium 21; Oil 21; Tourism 22; Emigration 22 Military and nuclear collaboration ........... .23 Cultural boycott ..................... 24 Academic boycott .................... 25 Sports boycott ...................... 26 Southern Africa
    [Show full text]
  • What Ended Apartheid?
    NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCE TOOLKIT 10th Grade Apartheid Inquiry What Ended Apartheid? Photographer unknown, photograph of protests against Pass Laws, 1956. NatIonal LIbrary of South AfrIca: Cape Town campus. Used with permIssIon. Supporting Questions 1. What was apartheId? 2. What efforts were made by Nelson Mandela to end apartheId? 3. What efforts were made by groups wIthIn South AfrIca to end apartheId? 4. What efforts were made by InternatIonal bodIes to end apartheId? THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION- NONCOMMERCIAL- SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL LICENSE. 1 NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCE TOOLKIT 10th Grade Apartheid Inquiry What Ended Apartheid? 10.10 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS: Since the Holocaust, human rIghts vIolatIons have generated New York State worldwide attentIon and concern. The UnIted NatIons UnIversal DeclaratIon of Human RIghts has Social Studies provIded a set of prIncIples to guide efforts to protect threatened groups and has served as a lens Framework Key Idea through whIch hIstorIcal occurrences of oppression can be evaluated. & Practices Gathering, Using, and Interpreting Evidence Chronological Reasoning and Causation Comparison and Contextualization Staging the Question Students examIne varIous maps of the “homelands” In South AfrIca and dIscuss the ImplIcatIons of, and challenges to, thIs physIcal separation. Supporting Question 1 Supporting Question 2 Supporting Question 3 Supporting Question 4 What was apartheId? What efforts were made by What efforts were made by What
    [Show full text]
  • 'Reconciling the Impossible': South Africa's Government of National Unity, 1994-1996 Synopsis
    ‘RECONCILING THE IMPOSSIBLE’: SOUTH AFRICA’S GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY, 1994-1996 SYNOPSIS Leon Schreiber drafted this case In April 1994, after a decades-long struggle for democracy and study based on interviews conducted more than three years of arduous peace negotiations, Nelson in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Mandela’s African National Congress formed a power-sharing South Africa, in September and government with its rivals: the National Party and the Inkatha October 2016. Case published Freedom Party. It was vital to overcome lingering distrust December 2016. between the three groups, which had been locked in a violent conflict. Based on the outcome of an election and in This series highlights the governance accordance with an interim constitution adopted the year challenges inherent in power sharing arrangements, profiles adaptations before, political leaders apportioned cabinet posts and that eased these challenges, and appointed ministers from all three parties to the new offers ideas about adaptations. government. They then tried to design practices conducive to governing well, and they introduced innovations that became models for other countries. When policy disputes arose, they set up ad hoc committees to find common ground, or they sought venues outside the cabinet to adjudicate the disagreements. Despite the National Party’s withdrawal from the power-sharing cabinet in mid 1996, South Africa’s Government of National Unity oversaw the creation of a historic new constitution, restructured the country’s legal system and public service, and implemented a raft of social programs aimed at undoing the injustices of apartheid. ISS is a joint program of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and the Bobst Center for Peace and Justice: successfulsocieties.princeton.edu.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethical Framework & Criteria For
    ETHICAL FRAMEWORK & CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION IN MANDELA DAY The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands……to make of our world…a better one for all – Nelson Mandela, 2008. A. Background: The Nelson Mandela Foundation launcheda global movement for good in honour and celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. The United Nations adopted 18 July, the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday , as an annual international day. The campaign call to action is simple: Take Action. Inspire Change. Make everyMandela Day celebrates the potential that each individual has to transform the world - we are inspired by the example that Madiba has set for us: each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and acting on the responsibility we have to others. To become part of the Mandela Day movement, all that is required is an action that helps change the lives of people for the better. To ensure that their actions have lasting benefits, they should with and within communities, always strive to leave behind not only physical changes but also a sense of empowerment, helping to build pride amongst those communities so that they can take charge of their destinies and change their circumstances. The cumulative actions of people, even if it is one small step at a time, can become a transformative momentum. Mandela Day is the initiative of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and its sister organizations, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation EtHIcal RequIrements: General In line with the ethos underpinning the campaign (which is all year round to make every day a Mandela Day), people and organisations are free to organize and partner as they wish provided that their activities fall within the ethical framework of “service to one’s fellow human” and the Foundation encourages these to be effective, sustainable, consistent, empowering and above all to realize and/or restore human dignity.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Events and Organisations You Can Support on Nelson Mandela Day
    List of events and organisations you can support on Nelson Mandela Day 1. Create or join a Nelson Mandela Day event. 2. Pack a hamper with FoodBank South Africa. 3. Volunteer your time or donate goods to Straatwerk. 4. Make visual communication kits with Autism Western Cape. 5. Plant indigenous for Mandela Day with CapeNature. 6. Volunteer 67 hours for local NGOs to rebrand local NGO’s with the Red and Yellow School. 7. Bake bread or plant a tree and join in on 10 Days of pure Madiba magic with CleanC. 8. Lend a helping hand at the Iris House Children’s Hospice. 9. Celebrate Christmas in July with NewKidz and buy a small gift for orphaned children. 10. Make learning fun again for underprivileged children through Save Foundation. 11. Volunteer your time or donate goods to The Homestead. 12. Help Child Welfare SA to create better futures for our children. 13. Adopt-a-School: Join in the Back to school for a day campaign. 14. Volunteer your time or donate goods to The Salvation Army (Booth Memorial). 15. Stop Hunger Now: Million meal challenge. 16. Volunteer for Afrika Tukkin’s got talent show. 17. Get involved with the Earth Child Project. 18. Donate your time or some much-needed goods to the Douglas Murray Home. 19. Get involved with U-turn homeless ministries on Mandela Day. 20. Donate to the South African Children’s Home. 21. Vital Foundation: Sign-up as a volunteer. 22. Help Operation Smile South Africa and give a child a smile. 23. Habitat for Humanity: Nelson Mandela International Build Week (13-17 July).
    [Show full text]
  • Nelson Mandel a Tribute Edition
    Contents Private Life Digital – Special Edition 2013 3 TRIBUTE Private Life presents a visual tribute to former South African President and statesman, Nelson Mandela. 11 TAKING UP THE MANDELA MANDATE South Africans, inspired by Mandela’s legacy and message of peace and reconciliation, are driving an active citizenship agenda across the country. 19 IN HIS WORDS We take inspiration from Madiba’s words and insights. 23 ESSENTIAL READING Walk into any book store around the world and you can pick up a tome recalling Mandela’s deeds and words; here’s a selection of must read titles. 27 LIFE & TIMES An extraordinary life … “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can Interactive elements: be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the This symbol represents an interactive element. Tap on the object the icon is referencing to human heart than its opposite.” engage the experience. - Nelson Mandela All web and email addresses are interactive, simply tap them to use. Gail Hoffmann Mark Seberini PUBLISHER DESIGN [email protected] [email protected] Cara Bouwer Bernice Blundell (CT) EDITORIAL ADVERTISING [email protected] [email protected] Photographs and illustrations in Private Life are sourced via Dreamstime, Stock.xchng, Shutterstock and iStock Photo Published by Eish Media for FNB Private Clients 25 Lonehill Mews, Lonehill, 2062, PO Box 1861, Lonehill, 2062 | Tel 083 297 5180 | Fax 011 465 5178 | Email [email protected] FNB Private Clients, 5 Merchant Place, 9 Fredman Drive, Sandton; Tel: 011 245 5000.
    [Show full text]
  • 2012 Annual Report
    ANNUAL REPORT March 2011- February 2012 2002 NEw OFFIcEs 1999 NELsON maNDELa 1994 FOUNDaTION ELEcTED pREsIDENT EsTaBLIsHED 1990 RELEASED OUR EVOLUTION OUR VIsION A society which remembers its pasts, listens to all its voices, and pursues 1990 social justice. Mr Nelson Mandela is released after 27 years in prison. 1994 OUR mIssION Mr Mandela becomes South Africa’s first democratically elected president. To contribute to the making of a just society by keeping alive the legacy of 1999 Nelson Mandela, providing an integrated public information resource on Mr Mandela steps down as president. his life and times, and by convening dialogue around critical social issues. The Nelson Mandela Foundation is established, houses Mr Mandela’s personal office; it implements a wide range of development projects, including OUR cORE wORk education and health infrastructure. The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory delivers to the world an integrated 2002 and dynamic information resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, The Nelson Mandela Foundation offices move to new premises. and promotes the finding of sustainable solutions to critical social problems 2004 through memory-based dialogue interventions. Mr Mandela retires and famously says, “Don’t call me, I’ll call you.” He inaugurates the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory project. Nelson Mandela Foundation begins process of consolidation from project OUR sLOgaN “Living the legacy” implementer to enabler and facilitator. 2008 Nelson Mandela says at his 90th birthday concert in London, “It is time for OUR spIRaL new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.’’ The spiral, which in many ancient societies symbolised constant 2009 renewal, simultaneously represents the centering of memory, disseminating The first Nelson Mandela Day is launched.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, on Nelson Mandela Day, Sunday 18 July 2021
    AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, P.O. Box: 3243 Tel.: (251-11) 5513 822 Fax: (251-11) 5519 321 Email: [email protected] Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, on Nelson Mandela Day, Sunday 18 July 2021 Addis Ababa, Sunday 18 July 2021 – Today’s celebration to mark Nelson Mandela Day is critical given the context we find ourselves in, fighting a global pandemic whose effects have magnified existing fault lines and crises. The epidemic has made it challenging to meet the demands of social and economic justice. With many livelihoods burdened by daily hardships amidst conflict and instability, we must act to embrace peaceful means to conflict resolution. In light of today’s occasion, we pay homage to President Mandela’s life and reflect on our ability to have a positive effect in our communities and continent. In doing so we recognise our power as individuals to make a difference. Today we reflect on the decade 2014-2024 which is themed Madiba Nelson Mandela Decade of Reconciliation in Africa. Its adoption is an expression of the commitment of our Heads of State and Government to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa. As a champion of change, President Mandela was instrumental in reconciliation efforts and inspired Africans to unite and confront challenges. His love for his continent encourages us to change attitudes and ensure peaceful coexistence. As we forge onward in implementing the Madiba Nelson Mandela Decade for Reconciliation in Africa, today’s festivities motivate us to remain active citizens and agents of the change we want to see.
    [Show full text]
  • Critic Review of Prisoner 46664: Nelson Mandela
    Critic review of Prisoner 46664: Nelson Mandela This play, performed Monday 4th February at the theater 'L’!ntégral' in Belley, was a good opportunity for the local high school pupils to discover drama in English. The play writen by Sam Pinnell, directed by Lucille O'Flanagan and starring Heza Boto as Nelson Mandela, Beni Bliss as Walter Sisulu, Chengetai as Winnie, shows the acton of Nelson Mandela as an actvist who wanted to change South Africa's apartheid laws , but who changed the whole world... The play powerfully unfolds all aspects of Mandela's life like his childhood, his meetng with his new companion and best friend, Walter Sisulu, his fght as an actvist within the ANC, his private life with Winnie Mandela, his 27 years of imprisonment... Of course, the play focuses on key moments of the struggle for equal rights and freedom during apartheid from its beginning in 1948 to the evoluton of the ANC that takes more violent initatves, the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 untl the electon of Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa in 1994. As for the directng of the play, there are only fve actors playing 28 roles and this shows their skills both as comedians and as singers too. Indeed, throughout the play, we can hear songs writen by Elisa Le Cam and sung by the multitalented actors. The cast is very good, Heza Boto as Nelson Mandela is convincing and very moving, Beni Bliss is friendly and loyal as Walter Sisulu. We feel sympathy for them, especially when they are in prison.
    [Show full text]
  • (CPIA) “Nelson Mandela”
    CPIA “NELSON MANDELA” F.A.D. LINGUA INGLESE: II PERIODO DIDATTICO UDA 4: PARLARE DEL PASSATO /4 ORE Prof.ssa Maria Grazia Tornabene “ NELSON MANDELA: THE STRUGGLER AGAINST APARTHEID” NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. He became a lawyer together with Oliver Tambo, one of His best friends and supporters. Nelson Mandela was vice-president of a political party called “THe African National Congress” (ANC); the ANC adopted a pacifist politics towards apartheid and violence against blacks, following the creed of Gandhi and Martin Luther King . In 1960 this party was declared illegal and Mandela was arrested. Four years later He was sentenced to life inprisonment. The violences in South Africa carried on and in 1967 the international community imposed sanctions on the country. On June 16, 1976 twenty black scHool cHildren in Soweto were killed by white police during a peaceful demonstration outside their school. In 1980 Oliver Tambo, the lawyer and colleague of Mandela, started a world campaign to free Nelson Mandela and in 1990 Frederik Willem de Klerk, the President of South Africa recognised the value of the ANC and tHe prisoner Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years . Violence in the country went on, but Mandela and de Klerk continued to struggle and to discuss in order to get to a solution. In 1993 they received tHe Nobel Peace Prize. In May 1994, for tHe first time in tHe History of SoutH Africa, people of all races voted in democratic multiracial elections and Mr Mandela was elected President. He dedicated all his life to the recognition of equal rigHts of black and wHite people, against racial discrimination, inspired by marxism.
    [Show full text]