Nelson Mandela

Iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary whose leadership ended racial segregation in South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His leadership was instrumental in ending the system of racial segregation known as apartheid. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his activism before becoming a symbol of the struggle against racial injustice. As president, he focused on reconciliation between racial groups and established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses. Mandela's legacy includes the Nobel Peace Prize (1993), the Order of Merit, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His autobiography Long Walk to Freedom remains a global bestseller. Mandela's birthday (July 18) is celebrated internationally as Mandela Day, encouraging people worldwide to take action to help others. His philosophy of non-violent resistance and reconciliation continues to inspire movements for social justice globally.