Nelson Mandela

Notion part of Nelson Mandela:

Nelson Mandela is one of the world's most revered statesmen, who led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa with a multi-racial democracy. Jailed for 27 years, he emerged in 1990 to become the country's first black president four years later and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. His charisma, self-deprecating sense of humor and lack of bitterness over his harsh treatment, as well as his amazing life story, partly explain his extraordinary global appeal.

In prison, you come face to face with time. There is nothing more terrifying

Nelson Mandela

Since stepping down as president in 1999, Mr Mandela has become South Africa's highest-profile ambassador, campaigning against HIV/Aids and helping to secure his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup. Mr Mandela - who has had a series of health problems in recent years - was also involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other countries in Africa and elsewhere. In 2004, at the age of 85, Mr Mandela retired from public life to spend more time with his family and friends and engage in "quiet reflection". "Don't call me, I'll call you," he warned anyone thinking of inviting him to future engagements.

The former president has made few public appearances since largely retiring from public life. In November 2010, his office released photos of a meeting he had held with members of the US and South African football teams. He has been treated in hospital several times in the past two years. Mr. Mandela set up South Africa's first black law firm with Oliver Tambo

In late January 2011 he was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for "specialized tests with the South African presidency reminding a concerned nation that Mr. Mandela has had "previous respiratory infections". While in jail on Robben Island in the 1980s, the former president contracted tuberculosis. In early 2012 he was treated for what the president's office said was "a long-standing abdominal complaint". But in recent months he has been troubled repeatedly by a lung infection. He was born in 1918 into the Xhosa-speaking Thembu people in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa. In South Africa, he is often called by his clan name - "Madiba". Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga, he was given his English name, Nelson, by a teacher at his school.

Mandela's key dates

◾1918 - Born in the Eastern Cape

◾1944 - Joined African National Congress

◾1956 - Charged with high treason, but charges dropped

◾1962 - Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison

◾1964 - Charged again, sentenced to life

◾1990 - Freed from prison

◾1993 - Wins Nobel Peace Prize

◾1994 - Elected president

◾1999 - Steps down as leader

◾2001 - Diagnosed with prostate cancer

◾2004 - Retires from public life

◾2005 - Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness

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