Nelson Rolihlala Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, was the son of Chief Henry Mandela of the Mandiba Clan, which belonged to the Xhosa-speaking Tembu people. While studying at Fort Hare University, he became involved in politics, and he served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Over the course of his life, he became a prominent political figure in South Africa and eventually all around the globe. Nelson Mandela is best known for his efforts as an activist, politician, and statesman in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Fun Facts:

• You may know him as Nelson Mandela, but his official name was Nelson Rolihlala Mandela. Many would refer to him as Mandiba.
• He was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, Cape Province, South Africa.
• Nelson Mandela is known for many political accomplishments, perhaps the most notable of which is the abolishment of apartheid.
• Mandela established the first black law practice in Johannesburg, South Africa, with his close friend Oliver Tambo—the firm specialized in cases directly related to apartheid legislation.
• In addition, Nelson Mandela was involved in drafting the Freedom Charter, a document promoting nonracial social democracy in South Africa.
• Mandela was convicted of treason in December 1956 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was later acquitted in 1961.
• After his son Makgatho Mandela died of AIDS, after which Nelson Mandela took a significant stand in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
• In 2004, Nelson Mandela held a press conference to announce his retirement from active politics, though he still participated in social and charitable activities.
• Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95 on 5th December 2013.