Christian Men and Women

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was born on the 18th of July 1918 and is a former President of South Africa. Some people wrongly believed that only white people should own land in Africa and have important jobs. These people also believed that white people and black people should not live together. This was known as apartheid. Before his presidency, Mandela was the leader of the African National Congress and he did not agree with these people. He was sent to prison and spent 27 years in prison, much of it on Robben Island.

For many people who were against apartheid in South Africa and internationally, Nelson Mandela became a symbol of freedom and equality.

Following his release from prison in February 11, 1990, he helped lead the change to multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, he has been widely praised, even by people who disagreed with him.

Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He is currently a celebrated elder statesman who continues to voice his opinion on topical issues. In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. Mandela has frequently credited Mahatma Gandhi for being a major source of inspiration in his life, both for the philosophy of non-violence and for facing adversity with dignity.

Many people admire him because he has said that he forgives the people who were responsible for keeping him in jail for so long.

The virtues that Mandela displayed throughout his life were Justice, Restraint (Temperance), Faith and Hope.