Nelson Mandela

Growing Up• Born on July 18, 1918 in the village of

Mvezo• Earned the name Nelson at a local

mission school. His real name “Rolihlahla” literally means “pulling the branch of a tree”.

Education• After primary schooling, he attended

several colleges to further his education. Earned his bachelors degree in law

at the University of South Africa.• Starts to become interested in Politics

The ANC

• Joins with other Africans to form the African national congress or ANC led by Anton Lembede.

• Other members are Walter Sisulu, Oliver R. Tambo, and William Nkomo.

Resistance to Apartheid

• Started By breaking curfew laws.

• Strikes, civil disobedience and boycotts were all used to pressure the Apartheid Government.

Trials and Prison

• Put on trial for high treason

• Sentenced to life in prison.

• Transferred to Robben Island in 1963.

Prison years

• Works with hard labor and no outside visitors

• His mother and son die• His family suffers

Later Achievements

• Elected president of new South Africa within five years of release

• Earns Nobel Peace Prize

• Outlaws Apartheid