The former president of South Africa and anti apartheid hero Nelson Mandela dies at the age of 95. Mandela, born in Transkei as Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has been ailing for quite some time but still many people are saddened by the death of a true African hero. Madiba, as he is popularly known, will be remember by his unmatched willingness to forgive that ensured a very peaceful tenure during his reign as president in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela’s Education
He was the holder of a bachelor’s degree in Arts from the University of Fort Hare. However, Mandela’s stay was cut short sometime when he was elected to student’s rep council and got involved in some protests. Later, he earned a law degree which was like a dream come true to him. This opened doors for him to contribute to the country’s freedom.
Mandela established the first black law firm in South Africa with his colleague, Oliver Tambo, which they called Mandela and Tambo.
His efforts to free South Africa from the hands of their oppressors landed Madiba in trouble and in 1955, he was tried for treason. The trials for treason took a considerable amount of time until 1961 and Mandela was acquitted of the charges. He got married to Madikizela in 1958 and they were blessed with two daughters. However, his marriage to Winnie only lasted until 1996 when they divorced.
His Struggle for Independence
The Africa National Congress(ANC) was the popular party in South Africa and Mandela formed a youth’s wing in this party that propelled him to a leadership position. He was later asked to form an armed force to fight for the country independent. The force was known as Umkhonto weSizwe , which stood for the Spear of The Nation.
He managed to sneak out of South Africa in 1962 and managed to receive military training from Morocco and Ethiopia using the name David Motsamayi. However, the plans were cut short as he was tried for treason.
Among other ANC members, they were accused of orchestrating plans to overthrow the government. They were charged and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela served this sentence until february 11, 1990.
In the first 18 years of this sentence, Mandela spent it in the famous Robben Island. The floor was his bed and his was given a bucket as his toilet. He was forced to do hard labour in the quarries and allowed 1 visit each year that lasted for only 30 minutes. He was later taken to a private house, the Victor Vester prison, where he served the remaining years.
He was later elected as South Africa’s first black president in 1994. He served a single term that ended in 1999 and used his presidency to root for reconciliation between the whites and the blacks in South Africa. He did this majorly through sports and this was seen across the world as a bold effort especially considering all he went through on the hands of the whites.
His Health Started Failing Him
Mandela began ailing in february 2012 and the hero has fought through a few scares that he was dead. Several media houses reported the death of Mandela but somehow the hero still fought and even managed to get out of the life support and consequently out of hospital.
Instead of people mourning his death, the world celebrated his remarkable 95th birthday a couple of Months ago. In his honor, many organizations celebrated in style and an organization that he founded even marked this remarkable day with a 41mile marathon.
The president of South Africa Jacob Zuma in his speech to acknowledge the death of Mandela had this to say
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