Nelson Mandela Former President of South Africa Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more

Biography of Nelson Mandela: Former President of South Africa

Introduction

Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential political leaders of the 20th century, served as the first black President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mandela's unwavering commitment to fighting apartheid, his years of imprisonment, and his dedication to reconciliation made him a global symbol of resistance, peace, and human dignity.

Early Life and Family

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He belonged to the Thembu royal family, with his father being a chief. Mandela's childhood name "Rolihlahla" means "pulling the branch of a tree" or "troublemaker," a name that foreshadowed his future as a revolutionary leader.

He grew up in a rural setting where he was introduced to traditional leadership and African values. In his early years, Mandela lived with his mother and later moved to the village of Qunu, where he was raised by a family member after his father's death. Mandela attended several schools, ultimately enrolling at the University of Fort Hare, a prestigious institution for black students.

Height, Weight, and Appearance

• Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 180 pounds (82 kg) during his prime years.
• Appearance: Mandela was known for his dignified presence, often seen in a suit or traditional African attire, with a warm, wise, and kind expression.

Personal Life

Nelson Mandela was married three times during his lifetime and had several children. His personal life, much like his public life, was marked by challenges, sacrifices, and deep personal growth.

• First Wife – Evelyn Ntoko Mase: Mandela married Evelyn Ntoko Mase in 1944. They had four children together but divorced in 1958.
• Second Wife – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: In 1958, Mandela married Winnie Madikizela, a social worker and activist. They had two daughters together. However, their marriage faced strain due to political pressures, and they eventually divorced in 1996.
• Third Wife – Graca Machel: Mandela married Graca Machel, the widow of the former President of Mozambique, in 1998. They remained married until Mandela’s death in 2013.

Children

Mandela had six children in total, though some were born from previous relationships:

• Thembi Mandela: His firstborn son, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1969.
• Makgatho Mandela: His second son, who also passed away from AIDS-related complications in 2005.
• Makaziwe Mandela: His daughter with Evelyn Mase.
• Zindzi Mandela: His daughter with Winnie Madikizela, who played a prominent role in South Africa’s liberation movement.
• Dlamini: Son of Mandela with his wife Graca Machel.

Professional Life and Career

Mandela's professional life was deeply entwined with his political activism. His career and political journey left an indelible mark on South Africa and the world.

• Lawyer and Activist: Mandela studied law at the University of Witwatersrand and worked as a lawyer in Johannesburg. Along with Oliver Tambo, he founded the first black law firm in South Africa, serving the country’s black population who had been denied legal services by the apartheid regime.
• ANC and Anti-Apartheid Movement: In the early 1940s, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political party dedicated to ending apartheid. His work with the ANC, especially after the formation of the ANC Youth League, shaped his leadership role in the resistance against racial segregation.
• Imprisonment: Mandela was arrested in 1962 and convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He spent 27 years in prison, much of it on Robben Island, where he became an international symbol of resistance to apartheid. Despite the harsh conditions, he never wavered in his commitment to equality and freedom.
• Release and Presidency: Mandela was released from prison in 1990, following growing domestic and international pressure. He played a central role in negotiations that led to the dismantling of apartheid. In 1994, he became South Africa’s first black president, serving one term until 1999. His presidency marked a new era of reconciliation, where he focused on national healing and building a multiracial democracy.

Major Achievements

1. End of Apartheid: Mandela's leadership in the anti-apartheid movement helped dismantle the apartheid system, replacing it with a more equitable society.
2. Nobel Peace Prize (1993): In recognition of his efforts to peacefully end apartheid, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, shared with then-South African President F.W. de Klerk.
3. Formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: As president, Mandela created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, led by Desmond Tutu, to address the human rights violations committed during apartheid and promote national unity.
4. International Icon for Peace and Equality: His efforts to advocate for peace, human rights, and equality earned him admiration worldwide, making him a global ambassador for justice.

Legacy

Nelson Mandela's legacy extends beyond his achievements as a leader of South Africa. He became a symbol of moral courage, advocating for peace, justice, and equality even in the face of personal adversity. Mandela’s dedication to reconciliation and nation-building made him beloved not just in South Africa but across the globe.

After retiring from politics, Mandela remained an active figure in various social causes, such as HIV/AIDS awareness, global peace, and the promotion of human rights. His tireless commitment to a better world continued throughout his life.

Death and Remembering Mandela

Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95, at his home in Johannesburg. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. Mandela’s funeral in Qunu, attended by international leaders, marked the final farewell to one of the most influential figures in modern history.

His life continues to inspire millions of people around the world who work towards peace, equality, and justice, building on his legacy of fighting for freedom, dignity, and human rights.

Conclusion

Nelson Mandela was not just a leader but a symbol of perseverance and hope. His ability to forgive, his courage to fight for justice, and his determination to end apartheid shaped the course of history. Today, he remains a timeless figure whose life and work continue to inspire people globally.

Here are some lesser-known and interesting facts about Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa:

1. He Was a Trained Boxer

Mandela was an avid boxing fan and even trained as a boxer in his youth. He believed that boxing was not just about physical strength, but also about strategy and discipline, which helped him in his political and personal life.

2. Mandela Was Once a Cattle Herder

Before he became involved in politics, Mandela spent some time as a cattle herder on his family's land in rural South Africa. This humble start to life taught him about the traditions of his people and shaped his connection to his heritage.

3. Mandela Was a Highly Skilled Negotiator

Mandela's negotiating skills were instrumental in securing the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa. His ability to build bridges between opposing groups, including the white minority and the black majority, played a major role in the country’s peaceful reconciliation process.

4. He Loved to Dance

Mandela was a fan of music and enjoyed dancing. He was known to dance at public events, particularly during his celebrations of freedom and victories over apartheid. His joy for life and celebration of culture were apparent in his actions.

5. Mandela Loved Tennis

Mandela had a strong passion for tennis, particularly after his release from prison. He was friends with several South African tennis players and even attended the Wimbledon finals in 1995. His interest in tennis helped him connect with people outside of the political sphere.

6. Mandela’s First Job Was as a Night Watchman

Before becoming a law student, Mandela worked as a night watchman at a white-owned shop in Johannesburg. This job was one of many small jobs he took to support himself and his studies, showing his determination to pursue education despite financial difficulties.

7. He Had a Close Relationship with His Grandmother

Mandela was deeply influenced by his maternal grandmother, who raised him for much of his early life. She played a key role in shaping his values, particularly his sense of humility and respect for others.

8. Mandela Was Not Interested in Politics in His Early Years

Mandela initially studied law not because he had a strong interest in politics, but because it was seen as a path to a stable job. It was later in life, during the rise of apartheid, that he became politically active and realized the importance of fighting for justice.

9. He Had a Strong Connection with His Mother

Although Mandela spent a significant part of his childhood away from his mother after his father’s death, he was always very close to her. He considered her to be a significant influence on his character and values.

10. Mandela Played a Key Role in the Creation of South Africa’s New Constitution

One of Mandela's key achievements after becoming president was overseeing the creation of South Africa's new constitution. The constitution was hailed as one of the most progressive in the world, emphasizing human rights and equality for all South Africans, regardless of race.

11. Mandela Met Several World Leaders During His Life

Over his life, Mandela met with numerous influential leaders from around the world, including U.S. presidents, British prime ministers, and other heads of state. His diplomatic skills and political influence made him a respected figure in international politics.

12. Mandela Was a Grandfather

Mandela took great pride in being a grandfather. He had several grandchildren, and during his later years, he enjoyed spending time with them. He even said that his greatest joy was being surrounded by his family, particularly his grandchildren.

13. Mandela’s Prison Cell Is Now a Museum

Mandela spent 18 years on Robben Island in a tiny prison cell, measuring just 7 feet by 9 feet. Today, his cell has been preserved as part of a museum at Robben Island, symbolizing the sacrifices he made in his fight for freedom and equality.

14. Mandela’s Love for Poetry

Mandela had a deep love for literature, and poetry was a source of comfort for him during his long years in prison. He read works from poets like William Shakespeare, and often quoted lines from poems to express his feelings and ideas.

15. Mandela Was Influenced by Gandhi’s Principles

Mandela’s philosophy of non-violence and peaceful resistance was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. Like Gandhi, Mandela believed in the power of peaceful protests and civil disobedience, even though he later embraced more militant methods during the struggle.

16. Mandela Was Not a Fan of Publicity

Despite his global fame, Mandela was never comfortable with the celebrity status he acquired after his release from prison. He preferred to focus on the work of rebuilding South Africa and was often more focused on his mission than on personal recognition.

17. Mandela Loved Simple Pleasures

Despite being a world-renowned figure, Mandela appreciated simple pleasures in life. He loved to read, watch sports, and spend time with his loved ones. He was particularly fond of watching rugby, which helped unite the country during his presidency.

18. Mandela Was Known for His Sense of Humor

Mandela had a remarkable sense of humor, which helped him cope with the difficulties he faced. He often used humor to break the ice and build rapport, and many who met him found him to be warm, approachable, and kind-hearted.

These facts further illustrate the depth of Nelson Mandela’s character and his impact on the world. His life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of human spirit.