Nelson Mandela: Biography, Imprisonment & Legacy

Everyone knows the name Nelson Mandela, but behind the global icon of forgiveness and reconciliation is a story that started with a young man willing to pick up arms. This article traces how a lawyer turned guerrilla fighter became the world’s most famous political prisoner, and then a president who chose peace over revenge.

Born: 18 July 1918, Mvezo, South Africa ·
Died: 5 December 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa ·
Years imprisoned: 27 (1962-1990) ·
Presidency: 1994-1999 ·
Nobel Peace Prize: 1993 ·
Spouses: 3 (Evelyn Mase, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Graça Machel)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Mandela served 27 years in prison for sabotage and conspiracy (NobelPrize.org (official Nobel database))
He was the first black president of South Africa, 1994-1999 (Encyclopaedia Britannica (established reference))
He won the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk (NobelPrize.org (official Nobel facts))
He died of a respiratory infection on 5 December 2013 (NobelPrize.org (official Nobel facts))

2What’s unclear

Exact number of children is sometimes disputed (6 are known but some may have died young)
His stance on same-sex marriage evolved; early skepticism is documented but later he advocated for LGBT rights