Nelson Mandela Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1994, he became the first black president of the Republic of South Africa
• Was awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, 2002 U․S․ Presidential Medal of Freedom and 1991 Soviet Union Order of Lenin
• Co-founded the African National Congress Youth League in 1944
• Attended the University College of Fort Hare, but was expelled from the school for joining a student protest
• Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa
• Started out working as a mine security officer after moving to Johannesburg in 1941
• Quote: "I cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities․ It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve․ But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die․"
• Quote: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived․ It is the difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead․"
• In 1952, he helped establish the first black law firm in South Africa, Mandela and Tambo
• Born Rolihlahla, he was given the first name "Nelson" by his primary school teacher