In The Life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Rolihlahla Mandela was born

Jul 18, 1918

Mandela was born as Rohlihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918 at Mvezo.

Attends Primary school near Qunu and receives the name "Nelson"

Jan 1, 1925

In the year 1925 Nelson Mandela received his first name from a teacher at the start of primary school.

Enrolls in University

Jan 1, 1939

In 1939, Nelson Mandela enrolled at University college of Fort Hare in Alice.

Expelled and Escapes Marriage

Jan 1, 1941

After being expelled because of involvement in a student strike, in 1941 he escapes an arranged marriage and became a mine security officer.

Completes BA at UNISA and begins attending ANC meetings

Jan 1, 1942

In 1942 Mandela complete his BA at the University of South Africa and informally began attending ANC (African National Congress) meetings.

Co-Founds ANCYL and Marries

Jan 1, 1944

In 1944 Nelson Mandela co-founded the African National Congress youth league. He also married Evelyn Ntoko Mase

Arrested for Treason

Dec 5, 1956

Arrested for treason with 155 others.

Mandela Goes Underground

Jan 1, 1961

In 1961 Mandela joined the underground Umkhonto weSizwe (MK)

Sentenced to Life

Jun 12, 1964

On June 12, 1964 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was sentenced to life in prison.

Released From Prison

Feb 11, 1990

Mandela was released from prison in on February 11, 1990.

Elected the First president of Democratic South Africa

May 9, 1994

Parliament elected Nelson Mandela the first President of Democratic South Africa

Steps Down After One Term

Jan 1, 1999

Nelson Mandela steps down from president after one term and creates the Nelson Mandela Foundation which supports conflict resolution and removal of poverty.

Dies

Dec 5, 2013

The great Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela dies in his home in Johannesburg. He will forever impact the lives of not only South Africans but people fighting for change and peace all across the world.