Nelson Mandela

About Nelson Mandela

The first Black President of South Africa and global icon of resistance to racism. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid. His release in 1990 began the transition to multiracial democracy. As president from 1994 to 1999, Mandela focused on reconciliation rather than revenge, establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His leadership prevented civil war and inspired the world. Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside F.W. de Klerk. He is considered the father of democratic South Africa. His ability to forgive his jailers after 27 years of imprisonment demonstrated extraordinary moral greatness.