Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelawas a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as President of the African National Congressparty from 1991 to 1997...
NationalitySouth African
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth18 July 1918
CityMvezo, South Africa
The international community ... also made an important contribution to this struggle, ... not least through the imposition of economic and other sanctions.
This project is going to bring some change to the lives of the community here,
Only 50 years ago persons with intellectual disabilities were scorned, isolated and neglected. Today, they are able to attend school, become employed and assimilate into their local community.
Whatever position I occupied, it was the result of colleagues - of my comrades in the movement - who had decided in their wisdom to use me for the purpose of focusing the attention of the country and the international community on me.
The challenge for each one of you is to take up these ideals of tolerance and respect for others and put them to practical use in your schools, your communities and throughout your lives.
Our differences are our strength as a species and as a world community.
I hope you will be able to discuss and consider this matter urgently and tell me your decision.
As 1999 approaches, I will endeavor as state president to delegate more and more responsibility so as to ensure a smooth transition to the new presidency,
We all felt on top of the world. It was a justification for the sacrifices which had been made by our people since the arrival of whites in this country in 1652.
There is no reason at all for any of our citizens to seek redress through violence, ... It will be the height of folly for anyone to seek to provoke the patience of a people who have elected, against their own deep emotions, to forgive and reconcile.
Even if I go to my grave I will wake up and come and vote. One of the manifestations of pride (in your country) is to vote for your country, and I am very happy for it.
Today we stand at the grave of one of the greatest among that generation of great freedom fighters.
We have failed to take HIV/AIDS seriously, ... That failure is a betrayal of our struggle for social justice and hope for our society.
Every country in the world faces challenges. One of our challenges here is to ensure that we deal with poverty, lack of education.