Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa, Mandela grew up in a traditional village and was the first in his family to attend school. He went on to study law and became involved in the African National Congress (ANC), a political party that fought against racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Mandela’s activism led to his arrest and imprisonment for 27 years, during which time he became a symbol of resistance against apartheid. Upon his release in 1990, he worked tirelessly to negotiate the end of apartheid and promote democracy in South Africa. In 1994, he became the first black president of South Africa, serving until 1999. Mandela was widely regarded as a hero for his anti-apartheid activism and dedication to promoting peace and equality. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and went on to establish the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which promotes education, health, and human rights in South Africa and beyond. Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and resilience.
