Nelson Mandela: A Detailed Biography

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918–2013) was the anti-apartheid revolutionary who spent 27 years in prison, negotiated the end of white minority rule, and became South Africa’s first black president (1994–1999). Known as Madiba, he is one of the most admired leaders of the 20th century. This biography covers his rural childhood, ANC leadership, imprisonment, release, presidency, and global legacy, as documented by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

Early Life in the Transkei

Thembu Royalty

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, Mandela was the son of a Thembu chief’s counsellor. After his father’s death he was sent to the Great Place at Mqhekezweni, where regent Jongintaba treated him as a son and gave him the name “Nelson” at missionary school.

Johannesburg and Political Awakening

University and ANC

Mandela studied law at Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand. In Johannesburg he met Walter Sisulu and joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, co-founding the ANC Youth League with Sisulu and Oliver Tambo, as detailed by the South African History Online.

Defiance Campaign and Armed Struggle

Treason Trial and Umkhonto we Sizwe

After the 1952 Defiance Campaign and 1956–1961 Treason Trial (acquitted). When peaceful protest failed after the Sharpeville massacre (1960), Mandela co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (“Spear of the Nation”), the ANC’s armed wing, leading sabotage attacks, as documented by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Arrest and Rivonia Trial

Arrested in August 1962, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment at the 1963–1964 Rivonia Trial. His speech from the dock — “I am prepared to die” — became legendary, as preserved by the Mandela Foundation.

27 Years in Prison

Mandela spent 18 years on Robben Island, then Pollsmoor and Victor Verster prisons. He studied Afrikaans, negotiated secretly with the government from 1985, and became the world’s most famous political prisoner, as chronicled by the Robben Island Museum.

Release and Negotiations

February 11, 1990

Released unconditionally by President F.W. de Klerk on February 11, 1990, Mandela led negotiations that dismantled apartheid and led to South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, as covered by the BBC.

Presidency (1994–1999)

Elected president in April 1994 with 62% of the vote, Mandela formed a Government of National Unity with de Klerk as deputy. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme, and built a “Rainbow Nation”, as documented by the South African Government.

Retirement and Global Icon

Mandela stepped down after one term in 1999. He founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation, campaigned against HIV/AIDS awareness (after his son Makgatho died of the disease), and remained a global moral authority until his death.

Death and Legacy

Nelson Mandela’s Enduring Impact

Mandela died on December 5, 2013, at age 95 in Johannesburg. His state funeral drew leaders from around the world. Mandela Day (July 18) is now observed globally. His autobiography Long Walk to Freedom and the phrase “Madiba magic” symbolise forgiveness and reconciliation, as celebrated by the United Nations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson Mandela

Why Is Nelson Mandela Famous?

For 27 years in prison, ending apartheid, becoming South Africa’s first black president, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

How Long Was Nelson Mandela in Prison?

27 years — 1962–1990.

Where Was Nelson Mandela Born?

Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa, July 18, 1918.

What Does ‘Madiba’ Mean?

Mandela’s Xhosa clan name — a term of affection used by South Africans.

Did Nelson Mandela Win a Nobel Prize?

Yes — Nobel Peace Prize 1993 (shared with F.W. de Klerk).

What Was the Rivonia Trial?

1963–1964 trial that sentenced Mandela and others to life imprisonment.

How Did Nelson Mandela Die?

Respiratory infection on December 5, 2013, at age 95.