The former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, has dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and is considered a pacifist leader.
After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa after winning the country’s first multiracial elections in 1994.
These are the 10 most important events that marked the life of Mandela, whose centenary birthday was celebrated on 18th July 2018 (100 years ) is celebrated in South Africa and the rest of the world as Nelson Mandela day
- Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, a town near Umtata, South Africa.
- In 1942, he graduated as a lawyer at the University of the Witwatersrand.
- In 1962 he was arrested and sentenced for sabotage, in addition to other charges, to life imprisonment. He spent 27 years in prison, most of which he was confined to the Robben Island prison.
- After his release on February 11, 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations to achieve a multiracial democracy in South Africa, which was achieved in 1994 with the first democratic elections by universal suffrage.
- Mandela won the elections and was president from 1994 to 1999.
- He received more than 250 international awards and recognitions for decades, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.
- He married three times, first with Evelyn Mase in 1943, then with Winnie Madikizela in 1958 and finally with Graça Machel in 1998.
- Together with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, besides Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, he was the only foreigner to has been distinguished with Bharat Ratna, India’s most prestigious civil prize in 1958.
- In 2004 Mandela retired from political life.
- In January 2011, Mandela was hospitalized for a respiratory infection. He later died in 2013
Kenyan celebs Mark 100th Mandela Day
Sauti Sol- Music band
Forever fresh 💯#MandelaDay100 #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2018 pic.twitter.com/epwmFDYbP2
— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) July 18, 2018
Miguna Miguna- Political activist
The 411 of who #NRMKe members are: As long as you mobilise and organise your family members, relatives, neighbours, friends and other Kenyans and actively participate in the relentless agitation for a revolutionary transformation in Kenya, you are an #NRMKe member. #Mandela100
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) July 18, 2018
Chris Kirubi – Businessman
Today Marks 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela. As we reflect on his life and legacy, let's remember his clear message – Everyone has the ability to help build the nation of our dreams by simply doing something good every day. #MandelaDay #Mandela100 #LivingTheLegacy pic.twitter.com/dOv4YBSPha
— Chris Kirubi (Tribute Page) (@CKirubi) July 18, 2018
Raila Odinga – NASA leader
The event is a key part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations to honor the Mandela Legacy. On this very day 100 years ago, Madiba was born in this village. #MandelaDay
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 18, 2018
With President @CyrilRamaphosa and former presidents Zuma and Motlanthe as Chief Zwelivelile Mandela the grandson to the late Nelson Mandela hosted us at Mandela's rural Mvesi home in the Eastern Cape,South Africa. #Mandela100 pic.twitter.com/HZvfu26zsi
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 18, 2018
Esther Passaris- Nairobi Women Rep
Humbled by a warm reception at the UN Headquarters as I gave my address in commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International Day and also, #Mandela100 birthday.
Madiba taught us how to be humane. His formal education included a law degree but he was about practical solutions. pic.twitter.com/KzG5W8Sie8
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) July 18, 2018
With the ever gracious and hospitable CS Amb Dr Monica Juma, SA High Commissioner HE Koleta Anita and @Thoko_Didiza, celebrating #Mandela100.
May the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela be our call to leave this world better than we found it. pic.twitter.com/cD8iwlhZIe
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) July 18, 2018
Jeff Koinange- Citizen TV Anchor
Happy Birthday to one of History's GIANTS! Madiba, you would have turned 100 Years old today!! Your Legacy will LIVE on for the next 100 Years!! Viva Nelson Mandela, VIVA!! AMANDLA!!! #HappyBirthdayMadiba #RipMadiba cc @NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/1BklYu31Bz
— Jeff Koinange, MBS (@KoinangeJeff) July 18, 2018
