To celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela who died just three days ago, here is his life in pictures.
Nelson Mandela: His life in pictures
The former South African president Nelson Mandela has died aged 95. He is considered to have been one of the world’s greatest leaders. Mandela played a huge part in ending apartheid, a system that forced black and white people to live separate lives in South Africa.
Mandela was born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga in 1918. He was given the name Nelson by a teacher at school. He became a lawyer after studying law at university.
Mandela joined the political party African National Congress (ANC) and co-founded the ANC Youth League. He led a campaign against the apartheid, which had been created by South Africa’s white ruling government.
Tensions over apartheid began to grow. The ANC was banned in 1960 and the protests became violent. In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and trying to violently overthrow the government.
While Mandela was in prison, photos of him were banned and it was even illegal to quote him in public. But people across the world campaigned for his release.
In 1990, Mandela was released from prison after an incredible twenty-seven (27) years of incarceration.
Huge crowds greeted the news of Mandela’s prison release from with massive celebrations.
In 1993, Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize along with then South African president F.W. de Klerk. They were jointly presented with this prestigious award for their efforts and work in bringing about a democratic and racially equal South Africa.
Mandela was sworn in as President of South Africa in that country’s first democratic elections after more than 300 long years of white rule.
In 1995, South Africa held its first major sports competition, the Rugby World Cup. Mandela threw his very public support behind the victorious South African team, which was composed mostly of white men. That helped to unite the country. The highly acclaimed film, “Invictus” documents this dramatic event in the history of S. Africa.
Mandela became one of the world’s most popular leaders and travelled the world meeting monarchs, politicians, and celebrities.
He resigned as South African President in 1999.
Mandela, seen here with U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, will be remembered around the world for his messages of dignity, humility, peace and unity.
Pictures and text both courtesy of CBBC Newsround. Slightly edited.
Peace out. Really and truly in Mandela’s honour and memory.
2 responses to “Lesson #78: Nelson Mandela — 1918 to 2013”
Thanks for history in pictures. Like they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, and so it is. I (we) really liked, and appreciated your taking the time to do this.
I’ll save in my history file. Joan Hoyte
My pleasure and thanks for taking the time to write. I really appreciate it. It is encouraging which is what you usually do. I feel emotional right now, probably the tea. I’ll never forget your hospital prayer for me that night… talk about emotional and encouraging. Thanks again, dearest Joan.
By the way, who is “we” as in “I (we) really liked, and appreciated your taking the time to do this.”?