Timeline Nelson Mandela
1918
Born on July 18, 1918 in Transkei, South Africa into the Madiba clan (his father was the chief of this tribe)
Given the name Rolihlahla Mandela.
1925
Had his first name changed to Nelson by his teacher when he started attending a mission school. All of the children there were given Christian names.
1930
His father died and Mandela was sent to live with other family members who told him about many struggles his ancestors experienced. This planted the seeds for Mandela’s passion to help others.
1942
Starts attending African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was an organization that fought for black South Africans to have the same human rights as whites.
1943
Earned a “Bachelor of Arts” degree through the University of South Africa. His graduation actually took place at the University College of Fort Hare where he had been expelled the year before. He was expelled for taking part in a student protest to help other black students who were being treated unfairly.
Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa
1944
Formally joined the ANC (African National Congress) and helped to create the ANC Youth League which helps young men and women between the ages of 14-35 solve human rights problems and continue the work of the ANC.
Married Evelyn Mase (they eventually had 4 children).
1951
Elected as President of the ANC Youth League.
1952
Earned a diploma in law by this time and opened South Africa’s first black law firm with Oliver Tambo (called Mandela and Tambo).
Oliver Tambo & Nelson Mandela
1956
Arrested for treason (a crime of betraying one’s country). Mandela was later acquitted (found not guilty) of this crime.
1958
Divorced Evelyn Mase.
Married Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela (known as Winnie). They eventually had 2 daughters.
Marriage to "Winnie"
1960
The ANC is banned on April 8 by the South African government. This forced the ANC (including Mandela) to operate secretly until 1990.
1962
Secretly left South Africa to educate others about the injustices of apartheid to gain their support. Apartheid means “apartness” in the African language and was a government practice that separated people according to race or color. He was arrested for doing this and sent to jail soon after for 5 years.
1964
Sentenced to life in prison (along with others from the ANC) for more charges for his active role in fighting against apartheid. Mandela was sent to prison on Robben Island which was a place where black people were kept as political prisoners. It was closed in 1996 when all political prisoners were released. It is now a museum and a symbol of the strength of the human spirit.
Mandela in his Prison Cell
1968-1969
Was not allowed to attend the funerals of his mother (1968) or his son (1969).
1990
Released from prison after 27 years on February 11, 1990 and vowed to end apartheid for good. Mandela was granted release by South African President F.W. de Klerk who shared Mandela’s dream for equal rights for all in South Africa.
1993
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (along with F.W. de Klerk) for their work in ending apartheid peacefully.
Mandela & de Klerk
1994
Voted for the first time in his life.
Elected President of South Africa.
Mandela Taking Presidential Oath
1996
Divorced Winnie.
1998
Married Graça Machel (on July 18 which was also his 80th birthday).
Nelson Mandela & Graça Machel
1999
Ended his term as President of South Africa.
2003
Continued to work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund which helps children in South Africa with:
being treated fairly
sickness (especially those with a disease called AIDS
disabilities.
2013
Died at the age of 95 on December 5, 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
