His father dies. The acting chief of the Thembu clan, Jongintaba Dalindyebo becomes his guardian and ensures he receives an excellent education
Marries his first wife Evelyn Ntoko Mase. They had three children.
South African government limits the freedom of black Africans even more when the apartheid policy of racial segregation is introduced across the country
His marriage of 13 years to his first wife Evelyn Ntoko Mase breaks up
Mandela goes into hiding and forms an underground military group with armed resistance
August 5: Arrested after living on the run for seventeen months and was imprisoned in the Johannesburg Fort.
Nelson Mandela was sentenced to five years in prison but again goes on the run
Captured and convicted of sabotage and treason and sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 46, initially on Robben island where he would be kept for 18 years
His mother dies and his eldest son is killed in a car crash but he not allowed to attend either of the funerals
Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years
Becomes President of the African National Congress
Divorces Winnie Mandela after she is convicted of kidnapping and being an accessory to assault.
Free Elections where black South Africans are allowed to vote for the first time.
Nelson Mandela runs for President
Nelson Mandela was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer with radiation
Made an honorary Canadian citizen
Nelson Mandela announced that he would be retiring from public life at the age of 85
