Nelson Mandela: Lesser Known Facts about a Great Man

Much has been written about the famous South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who was President of the African National Congress (ANC) and then president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Even schoolchildren know that Nelson Mandela was a freedom fighter who spent 27 years in prison for conspiracy to overthrow the government. But, Nelson Mandela was more than his public persona, including being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, with many lesser known facts coming to the surface after his death on December 5, 2014.

Many people don’t recognise Nelson Mandela’s given name, Rolihlahla, which in the tribe into which he was born means “pulling the branch of a tree” or sometimes interpreted as “troublemaker.” Without even realising it, his parents had given him a name that would personify the man he would become, creating trouble for the South African government and their policy of racial discrimination known as Apartheid. It wasn’t until his first day of elementary school, when his British teacher renamed him Nelson that he would receive the name he would carry for the rest of his life. 

Mandela’s life as a young boy, growing up in the village of Qunu, which had no paved roads and everyone lived in huts, is well-known, but few people realise that Mandela was baptized in the Methodist Church and on the event of his father’s death, was adopted at  the age of nine by the tribal chief.

As a young man he was proud and rebellious and excelled at long-distance running and boxing. After realising he would be called upon to fulfill an arranged marriage established by his adopted father, Mandela left for Johannesburg, where his life as a lawyer and political activist began.

During the darkest days of unrest and anti-apartheid activities, Nelson Mandela would become so notorious for his many disguises; the press would name him “the Black Pimpernel,” as he would remain out of sight during the day, coming out only at night to evade the police.

Nelson Mandela was a man who loved to garden, play soccer, and eat tripe. He drew his immense patience while in prison from the poem “Invictus” written by William Ernest Hadley. He was a public figure, but had a very private side and for his admirers, such as Nigerian businessman Tunde Folawiyo, the presence of Nelson Mandela will be missed. For those who would like additional material, information on Tunde Folawiyo and his interest in inspirational figures can be found on his Worky profile.

Remembering Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela International Day, first declared by the UN and celebrated in 2009, was celebrate this year on Mandela's birthday, July 18 2014, for the first time since Mandela's death. The day is meant to honour Mandela and to remind people of his life and work, to encourage others to fight for peace, combat poverty and work for a better world for everyone. Today, all over the world, leaders and citizens are considering the life of the former president of South African, and considering how they can contribute in the wake of his death last December.

Nelson Mandela, the son of a chief and the grandson of a king, led a legendary life. He became the first black president of South African, elected in 1994, after serving 27 years in prison on a charge of conspiring to overthrow the government. As a student at the University of Witwatersran, where he was the only native black student enrolled, Mandela became acquainted with activists, and began working to oppose colonization. He attained a leadership position in the African National Congress and worked in campaigns to end apartheid, the government-enforced segregation of South Africa. In 1962, he was arrested for his anti-government activities, and tried for sabotage and conspiracy. After a guilty verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison. In prison, Mandela was kept in a small damp cell, and performed forced labour during the day. In 1990, Mandela was finally released. South African president F.W. De Klerk and Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and the country's first election for people of all races was held the year after that.

Mandela's subsequent presidency saw the unification of the ACN and the Afrikaners in South Africa and the end of apartheid. Leaders in many fields throughout the world consider Mandela an influence, including Tunde Folawiyo. For more on the businessman’s life and interests, readers can find post from Tunde Folawiyo on YouTube. Mandela's legacy is one of courage, long-suffering, and ultimately peace. Even with threats to his life (he faced the possibility of the death penalty after his 1962 arrest), Mandela maintained his principles. After spending nearly three decades is prison, he emerged not seeking revenge, but peace, justice and equal treatment under the law for all of the citizens of South Africa. The largest lesson from Mandela's life may be to forgive your enemies, and it is advice we still need to hear today.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Impact of Desmond Tutu on the Human Rights Movement

At the forefront of the human rights movement are a few key figures whose influence on today’s culture are immeasurable. Famed activists such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. forever impacted views of social injustices throughout the world, sparking a new era of thinking centered by equal rights for all. Citizens throughout Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others may continue to be inspired by the efforts of these brave men and women. Amongst the most notable of these figures is Desmond Tutu, famed for his involvement in opposing apartheid in South Africa.

Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in October of 1931, Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born into an era in which black youth was subject to segregation. Graduating with a high school diploma in 1950, he studied education during his college years, earning a teacher’s certificate in 1953. With this, he went on to acquire a bachelor’s from one of South Africa’s foremost learning institutions.

Fuelled by frustration stemming from the racism endured during the era of South African apartheid, Tutu enrolled in a theological college where he became ordained as a deacon during 1960 and later a priest during 1961. He then went on to acquire a master’s in theology in 1966. Appointed Anglican Dean in Johannesburg during 1975, Tutu rose to worldwide fame as his voice became a prominent presence in the fight for civil rights in South Africa, a fight joined by activists such as Nelson Mandela. His efforts were recognised throughout Africa as he was appointed a variety of esteemed positions before later being awarded the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Later holding various roles within South Africa’s church system, Tutu was named Cape Town’s Archbishop in 1986.

Through the tireless activism of Tutu and many others throughout South Africa, an end to apartheid was decreed in 1993. Nelson Mandela was elected the country’s president during 1994 where Tutu introduced him to the masses. A moment of triumph following years of struggle, this would go down in history as an immense victory for human rights.

Since his retirement from the public eye during the 1990s, Tutu remains an active advocate in the fight for social inequality. He is a member of The Elders, a network of seasoned leaders such as Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and others. His stories of bravery in the face of adversity may continue to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others people throughout the world.

The Legacy of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

The passing of Nelson Mandela deeply affected not only his home country of South Africa, but the continent of Africa and the world as a whole. The civil rights leader, through his thoughts, actions and principals, paved the way for an international discussion about the injustices of apartheid. His legacy continues to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others who have may be familiar with the story of Nelson Mandela and the amazing strides he made in conquering social injustices.

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, Nelson Mandela, a.k.a Rolihlahla, was born. The nickname “Nelson” came from a teacher during his years of schooling. Mandela attended college at the College of Fort Hare and later, the University of Witwatersrand from which he received a law degree. It was here that Mandela became acquainted with like-minded individuals who sought an end to apartheid.

As a leader in the African National Congress, Mandela pushed for the congress and protesters to follow in the footsteps of Mohandas Gandhi, utilising his non-violence approach to conflict. After some time, Mandela began to doubt the effectiveness of this ideal and as such, initiated an armed branch of the ANC. Later classified as a terrorist by the South African government, Mandela was sentenced to serve 27 years in prison. His incarceration brought international attention toward the anti-apartheid movement and rather than abandon his ideals in exchange for release, Mandela served his time at Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. He was released in 1990 and upon this, continued his campaign to end apartheid.

Mandela’s efforts to end apartheid garnered world-wide respect. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Due in part to his labours, citizens of all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election, demonstrating the social change that was about to be set forth. With this election, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Whilst this ruling came an intense backlash and whilst the opportunity for violent conflict was present, Nelson called for calm and peace, ultimately preventing a major civil war.

After many health struggles, Nelson Mandela passed on December 5 of 2013 at the age of 95. The world mourned as this civil rights leader was put to rest, leaving behind his wife Graça Machel, six children, twenty grandchildren and millions upon millions of admirers, including Tunde Folawiyo. His legacy will forever provide a source of encouragement for those facing social injustice. Without his undying dedication and enduring principals, the country of South Africa and other African countries may not have.

A look at the life of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

Nelson Mandela was an activist from South Africa, who served as the country's president for several years. He was instrumental in bringing an end to apartheid, and throughout his life, remained an advocate for human rights. He became a member of the ANC (African National Congress) in his twenties, and led many protests (both peaceful and armed) against the oppressive regime which has been implemented by the white minority.

Born in 1918 to the Chief of the Madiba clan, Mandela could have claimed his chieftainship during his late teens, but instead chose to study for his law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. He then joined the above-mentioned ANC, and went on to become its Youth League leader. Being familiar with Mandela's life, Tunde Folawiyo is no doubt aware that during his time within this organisation, Mandela played an important role in the public opposition of the National Party's apartheid policies.

He worked as a lawyer for many years of his life; during this time, he was frequently arrested for encouraging people to stand up to the ruling party. His political and philosophical beliefs were largely informed by Marxism; this led to him joining the SACP (South African Communist Party) and becoming a member of its Central Committee. Whilst he originally favoured peaceful protests, his views changed somewhat after he became involved with the SACP, and in 1961, he co-founded a group called Umkhonto we Sizwe, through which he created a campaign designed to overthrow the apartheid government. He was arrested the following year, and after a lengthy trial, was sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent 27 years behind bars.

He was released in 1990; soon afterwards, he worked with the ANC to set up negotiations with the National Party, so that they could put an end to apartheid, and created a multi-racial government. Mandela's efforts resulted in him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just three years after his release from prison. Due to his tireless work, the country's first ever multi-racial parliamentary elections were held in 1994; 22 million people voted, and the ANC won the majority. Mandela was then named as the president of South Africa.

During his term, he established an organisation called Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated accusations of human rights violations that had taken place under apartheid. He also launched many economic, education and housing initiatives aimed to improve the quality of life for South Africa's black population. Tunde Folawiyo might recall that in 2009, the UN named Mandela's birthday, July 18th, as 'Nelson Mandela International Day', as a means of honouring the work which he had done over the course of his lifetime. Mandela passed away in December of 2013, after a prolonged period of ill health.