Nelson Mandela was born on the 18th of July 1918 in the Transkei (now part of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa). He was given the name Rolihlahla. However, he was given the English name Nelson when he went started attending school. Nowadays he’s affectionately referred to as Madiba by many South Africans. Madiba was a prominent part of the anti-apartheid struggle in his early life. He was also a key member of the ANC and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe.
He served 27 years of a life sentence in prison for “acts of terrorism”. He spent most of this time at Robben Island prison. He was released from prison on the 11th of February 1990 (after the ANC and other political organisations were unbanned). He became the president of the ANC in 1991 and was sworn in as the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. He retired in 1999 and did not stand for re-election. Since then Madiba has remained active in promoting humanitarianism (with special attention to the AIDS pandemic). From 2001 he has been less active publicly due to health concerns. Most recently he made an appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela has 6 children, 20 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He’s been married 3 times. His current spouse is Graça Machel.
This Sunday, the 18th of July 2010 will be the 2nd time that International Mandela Day will be held. We would like to wish Nelson Mandela a happy 92nd Birthday on this day. Mandela spent 67 years fighting for rights and freedom! Donate 67 minutes of your time this Sunday to a cause that you believe in!
Check out the 46664 website for more information.
