Nelson Mandela (1918……..)

• 

⭐Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (xhosa pronunciation :[xo’li??A mande?la]; born 18 July 1918) is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to1999. He was the first black south African to hold the office ,and the first elected in fully representative,multiracial election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalisef racism, poverty and inequality ,and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically in African nationalist and democratic socialist,he served as the President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997 . Internationally, Mandela was the secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 – 1999.

• 

⭐A xhosa born to the Thembu Royal family, Mandela attended Fort Hare University and the University of witwatersrand,where he studied law. Living in Johannesburg,he became involved in anti-colonical politics, joining the ANC and becoming a founding member of its Youth League.

• 

⭐In 1962 he was arrested, convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government,and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trail. Mandela served 27 years in prison.

• 

⭐Becoming ANC President,Mandela published his autobiography and led negotiations with President F.W. de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multi-racial elections in 1994 ,in which he led the AMC to victory. He was elected President and formed a Government of National Unity. As President,he established a new Constitution and initiated the Truth and Reconciliation commission to investigate past human rights abuses, while Introducing policies to encourage land reform, combat poverty and expand healthcare services.

• 

⭐Controversial for much of his life, right-wing critics denounced Mandela as terrorist and communist sympathiser . He has nevertheless received international aaclaim for his anti-colonical and anti-apartheid stance, having received over250 awards, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize,the US Presidential medal of Freedom and the Soviot Order of Lenin. He is held in deeo respect within South Africa, and has been described as "the father of Nation." He is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name of Madiba.

• 

⭐But the late 1960s, Mandela's fame had been eclipsed by Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement. (BCM).

• 

⭐He was awarded an honorary decorate in Lesotho ,the Nehru prize for international Understanding in India in 1970, and the Freedom of the city of Glasgow, Scotland in 1980 . In March 1980 the slogan “Free Mandela” was Developed by journalist Percy Qoboza, sparking an international campaign that led the UN Security Council to call his release . Presidency of South Africa: 1994-1999.

• 

⭐South Africa's first black President , Mandela became head of a Government of National Unity dominanted by the ANC-which alone had no experience of governance - but containing representatives from the National Party and Inkatha. In keeping with earlier agreement ,de Klerk became first Deputy President, while Than Mbeki was selected as second.

• 

⭐In December 1994, Mandela's autobiography, Long walk to Freedom ,was finally published. Across the world , Mandela cane to be seen as "a moral authority" with a great " concern for truth". Considered friendly and welcoming , Madela exhibited a " relaxed charm" when talking to others, including his opponents. Although often befriending millionaires and dignitaries,he enjoyed talking with their staff when t official functions. In later life,he was known for looking him too trusting of with their staff when at official functions. In later life,he was known for looking him too trusting of others. He was renowned for his stubbornness and loyalty,and exhibited a " hot temper" which could flare up in anger in certain situations,also being "moody and dejected" away from the public eye. He also had a mischievous sense of humour.

• 

⭐Within South Africa, Mandela is widely considered to be “the father of the Nation”, and “the founding father of democracy”, being seen as ” the national liberator,the saviour ,it’s Washington and Lincoln rolled into one”. In 2004, Johannesburg granted Mandela the freedom of the city, with sandton square being renamed Nelson Mandela square, after a Mandela statue was installed there. In 2008, another Mandela statue was inveiled at Groot Drakenstein Correctional Center, formerly Victor Verster Prison, near Cape Town , standing on the spot where Mandela was released from the prison.

• 

⭐He has also received international aaclaim. In 1993, he received the joint Nobel Peace Prize with de Klerk. In November 2009, the united Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela's birthday, 18 July,as "Mandela Day", marking his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle. It called on individuals to denote 67 minutes to doing something for others,commemorating the 67 years the Mandela had been a part of the movement.

• 

⭐Awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom,and the order of canada, he was the first living person to be made an honorary Canadian citizen. The last reciprocate of the Soviot Union's Lenin Peace Prize from the Soviot Union,in 1990 he received the Bharat Ratna Award from the government of India, and in 1992 received Pakistan's Nishan-e-Pskitan . In 1992 he was awarded the Ataturk Peace Award by Turkey. He refused the award, citing human rights violations committed by the Turkey at the time, but later accepted the award in 1999. Elizabeth 2 nd awarded him the Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St.John and the order of Merit.

•