Nelson Mandela Facts for Kids

A Picture of Nelson Mandela
  • Name: Nelson Mandela
  • Profession: Political Leader
  • Born: July 18th, 1918 in Mvezo, Cape Province, Union of South Africa
  • Died: December 5th, 2013 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Resting Place: Qunu, OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Legacy: First black president of South Africa

22 Nelson Mandela Facts for Kids

  1. Nelson Mandela was a South African political leader, revolutionist and philanthropist.
  2. Nelson Mandela is most famous for dismantling apartheid in South Africa.
  3. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18th, 1918 in Mvezo, Cape Province, Union of South Africa.
  4. Nelson Mandela’s birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela.
  5. Nelson Mandela was the son of Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa Mandela and Nosekeni Fanny.
  6. Nelson Mandela was married to three different women throughout his life. His 1st wife was Evelyn Ntoko Mase (1944 to 1958), his 2nd wife was Winnie Madikizela (1958 to 1996) and his 3rd wife was Graça Machel.
  7. Nelson Mandela died of a prolonged respiratory infection at the age of 95 on December 5th, 2013 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
  8. Nelson Mandela is considered by many to be the father of South Africa.
  9. Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and held office between 1994 and 1999.
  10. In 1943, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC).
  11. In 1944, Mandela formed the African National Congress Youth League, the youth wing of the ANC.
  12. In 1948, a system of institutionalized racial segregation known as Apartheid was instituted in South Africa by the Nationalist Party. The ANC and Mandela dedicated themselves to dismantling Apartheid.
  13. In 1956, Mandela was one of 156 people accused of treason during the Treason Trial in Johannesburg. He spent five years in prison but was released when he and the accused were found not guilty in 1961.
  14. In 1961, Mandela and other ANC members founded the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). This was an armed militia group that would use violence to try and end Apartheid.
  15. In 1962, Mandela was captured, and held during the Rivonia Trial. He was accused of terrorism and acts of sabotage committed by the Umkhonto we Sizwe.
  16. In 1965, Mandela is convicted at the Rivonia Trial and sentenced to life in prison.
  17. Between 1964 and 1982, Mandela was held at the Robben Island prison for 18 years.
  18. In 1982, Mandela and other ANC members were transferred to the Pollsmoor Prison. Mandela would remain at Pollsmoor prison until late 1988. He would eventually be transferred to Victor Verster Prison and serve the rest of time there before his release.
  19. In July 1989, Frederik Willem de Klerk invited Mandela to a meeting to have tea.
  20. On February 11th, 1990 F. W. de Klerk ordered the unconditional release of Mandela.
  21. In 1993, Mandela and Klerk were jointed awarded the Nobel Peace prize.
  22. In 1994, Mandela was elected by the National Assembly as the president of South Africa.

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