Mandela House

I WAS BORN TO RULE!

WHY DO WE HAVE MANDELA HOUSE?

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative, multiracial election.

Background

  • Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtatu, then a part of South Africa's Cape Province.
  • Occupation- Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary Activist and Politician
  • Nationality- South African

Background (Professional career)

Mandela served 27 years in prison, first on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. An international campaign lobbied for his release, which was granted in 1990 amid escalating civil strife. He was elected President and formed a Government of National Unity in an attempt to defuse ethnic tensions. As President, he established a new constitution and initiated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses. He declined to run for a second term and was succeeded by his deputy Thabo Mbeki, subsequently becoming an elder statesman, focusing on charitable work in combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Notable Achievements

  • 1993: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his fight against oppression
  • 1994: Elected first black President of South Africa
  • Nelson Mandela has received more than 250 awards that are in every way honorable. Keys to cities, and honorary degrees.