Nelson Mandela ( Short Biography )

Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was the chief of the city of Mvezo. He is famous because he fought against apartheid and was imprison for it.

Nelson gained a full education, studying at the College of Fort Hare and also the University of Witwatersrand. Nelson was a good student and qualified with a law degree in 1942 and would meet some of his fellow friends against apartheid.

Nelson, then became leader of an organisation against apartheid called ANC ( African National Congress. He planned to bomb certain buildings but he wanted to make sure that no one would be hurt. He was classified as a terrorist by the South African government and sent to prison. Mandela would spend the next 27 years in prison.

Once released from prison, Nelson continued his campaign to end apartheid. His hard work and life long effort paid off. He was also award Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.  When all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election. Nelson Mandela won the election and became president of South Africa.  Nelson was a strong force in keeping the calm and preventing a major civil war.

Nelson Mandela is a truly good man. He inspires me because he was against apartheid and he stayed in prison for 20 years for peace. July 18th is Nelson Mandela Day also. People are asked to devote 67 minutes to helping others. The 67 minutes represents the 67 years Mandela spent serving his country.