Nelson Rolihlahla Mandel is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, being the first to be elected in a fully representative, multiracial election as well.
By tackling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation, his government’s focused onto dismantling the legacy of apartheid throughout the country.
He attended Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand, studying law. He became involved in anti-colonial politics, and joined the ANC, becoming a founding member of its Youth League while he was living in Johannesburg.
Mandela was arrested on several occasions standing trial four times on charges of statutory communism, high treason, for leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike as well as for sabotage.
His liberation movements managed to free all the people of South Africa of apartheid and because of which, he has received more than 1000 awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize and the US Congressional Medal. He also has scores of honorary degrees, honorary citizenships as well as honorary memberships from various organizations. Many streets and buildings have also been named after him.