Nelson Mandela biography
From Freedom Fighter to Prison to President

The Nelson Mandela biography has resulted in Mandela being widely considered the considered one of the most well-known and admired black men in history, having dedicated his life to equal rights. Mandela was born into a family to father Rolihlahla Mandela, who had four wives. Amongst the four was his mother, Nosekeni Fanny. Mandela's was the South African statesman, and President between 1994 and 1999.

At the age of nine, Mandela's father died of lung disease, and as a result, Mandela was adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo. This was a gesture, a favour, to Mandela's father - who years earlier had recommended that Jongintaba be made chief. Mandela left his easy and care-free life, not knowing whether or not we would see his home town again. Though never forgetting his previous life, he soon adopted a new life, in the more sophisticated and middle-class Mqhekezweni.

He was accepted in to a college in the area, and it was at this time in the Nelson Mandela biography that saw him develop nationalist political ideals, and began to campaign for black African rights.

At the age of sixteen, Mandela had to partake in the circumcision ritual that would allow him to enter manhood as dictated by cultural traditions. The circumcision was not surgical, but instead an elaborate ritual that was intended to prepare him for his years of manhood. According to African tradition, this also meant that he would never be able to inherit the wealth of his father, he could never marry or officiate at tribal rituals. Along with twenty five other boys, Mandela welcomed the opportunity to be a part of the tradition.

It was at this ritual, where Chief Meligqili (the main speaker there) said some words that, at the time didn't mean much - but may well have influenced him in his later life. Chief Meligqili said that "the promise of the young men would be squandered as they struggled to make a living and perform mindless chores for the white man".

In 1939, Mandela was accepted into the University College of Fort Hare - which was the only residential institute of higher learning for African (black) people in South Africa. It was considered to be on par with Universities like Harvard - attracting scholars from all parts of sub-sahara Africa.

Twenty seven years of the Nelson Mandela biography saw him imprisoned for his views. For this time, the white South African executive dealt with growing, and huge amounts of political pressure to reconsider the state of affairs regarding Mandela. When the authorities finally succumbed to growing pressure, Mandela began to work with the white South African government, to bring back a black-majority government and rid of apartheid in the country.

At age 77, Mandela was elected President of South Africa, though only managed to stay ruling for one term. Since then, his life has been dedicated to spreading and promoting world peace and equality.

All of this is quite amazing for a man who was born in rural South Africa, on the banks of the Mbashe River in the province of Transkei. The Nelson Mandela biography is a story of inspiration and hope for many people who want to achieve key challenges in their life.

Nelson Mandela Biography links

• The Nelson Mandela biography at Wikipedia.
• The Nelson Mandela bio after he won the Nobel Peace prize in 1993.
• Biographies of other inspirational people.