Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela 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. Mandela was born in 1918 in the Eastern Cape and became involved in anti-colonial and African nationalist politics, joining the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943. He was arrested in 1962 and convicted of sabotage and other charges, serving 27 years in prison, most notably on Robben Island. His imprisonment became a focal point of the international anti-apartheid movement, and he emerged as a global symbol of resistance to racial oppression. Following his release in 1990, Mandela led negotiations with President F W de Klerk to dismantle apartheid and establish multiracial elections. As president, he focused on reconciliation, dismantling the legacy of apartheid and addressing institutionalised racism whilst fostering economic development. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 jointly with de Klerk. After retiring from active politics in 1999, Mandela remained a prominent advocate for social justice, human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. He died in December 2013, and his legacy continues to shape South African political discourse, national identity and international human rights advocacy. Numerous institutions, infrastructure projects and public facilities across South Africa bear his name in recognition of his contribution to the nation's democratic transition.
Nelson Mandela Updates
The Miseducation of South Africa: Busting myths about our biggest debates
14th August 2026 Dan Corder takes aim at the myths, half-truths and inherited narratives that shape how South Africans understand our past, our politics and... →
SA: Jeff Radebe: Address by former ANC NEC member, on the occasion of the President Chief Albert Luthuli's inaugural memorial lecture, Sandton (07/08/2026)
11th August 2026 For history, ladies and gentlemen, is never simply about yesterday. History is always a conversation with tomorrow and if we fail to understand... →
SA’s anti-immigration movement raises the stakes on social media
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 24th July 2026 Vigilante videos, AI-generated content and Mandela-linked framing are fuelling millions of mentions and xenophobic sentiment. With weekly... →
National Water Access Acceleration Programme officially launched
By: Natasha Odendaal 20th July 2026 South Africa has launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, through the decentralised water supply schemes, amid the need to expand... →
Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 13th July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to use the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day to refocus national efforts on tackling... →
The power to tackle poverty and inequality is in our hands
13th July 2026 Dear Fellow South African, On this Saturday, 18 July, South Africa will join the nations of the world in celebrating Nelson Mandela... →
My Boss, Mrs Mandela
1st July 2026 While Nelson Mandela had Zelda La Grange as his personal assistant, Winnie Mandela had her PA, spiritual anchor and confidante in Zodwa Zwane. Now... →
SACP message of condolences to the family of South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim
17th June 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) joins the nation and people across the world in mourning the death of one of South Africa's most... →
Mbeki is not the 'super president'
2nd June 2026 Mpumelelo Mkhabela is not given to cheap political theatre. He is usually a level-headed analyst, with the rare gift of making his point without... →
Bafana Bafana inspire us to hope and to strive
1st June 2026 Dear Fellow South African, In just under two weeks’ time, Bafana Bafana will participate in the opening match in this year’s FIFA World Cup... →
