Nelson Mandela's life

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  • Nelson Mandela born in South Africa.

    Nelson Mandela born in South Africa.

  • 1940 - Mandela expelled from university for political activity.

    1940 - Mandela expelled from university for political activity.

  • 1944 - Mandela forms the youth league of the African National Congress.

    1944 - Mandela forms the youth league of the African National Congress.

    He formed the group with Oliver Tambo and Walter Sislu.

  • 1948 - South African government introduces apartheid policy of racial segregation.

  • 1952 - Mandela opens first black legal firm in South Africa.

    1952 - Mandela opens first black legal firm in South Africa.

  • Mandela and 150 others arrested and charged with treason.

    Mandela and 150 others arrested and charged with treason.

    All were acquitted.

  • Sharpeville Massacre sees police kill 69 peaceful protesters.

  • Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed faction, formed by Mandela and others.

    Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed faction, formed by Mandela and others.

  • Mandela arrested. He is later sentenced to 5 years in prison for leading striking workers, but escapes and goes on the run.

    Mandela arrested. He is later sentenced to 5 years in prison for leading striking workers, but escapes and goes on the run.

  • Mandela recaptured and sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and other crimes, escaping the death penalty.

  • Mandela rejects South African President PW Botha's offer to release him if he renounces violence.

  • Mandela is released from prison.

    Mandela is released from prison.

  • 1993 - Mandela receives Nobel Peace Prize, with FW de Klerk.

    1993 - Mandela receives Nobel Peace Prize, with FW de Klerk.

  • First free elections in South Africa. Mandela elected first black president.

    First free elections in South Africa. Mandela elected first black president.

  • Mandela decides not to seek a second term as president. He is succeeded by Thabo Mbeki.

    Mandela decides not to seek a second term as president. He is succeeded by Thabo Mbeki.

  • Mandela retires from public life.

    Mandela retires from public life.

  • Mandela's son, Makgatho Mandela, dies of Aids.

  • 92-year-old Mandela admitted to hospital, sparking concerns about his health.

    92-year-old Mandela admitted to hospital, sparking concerns about his health.

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