According to distributors COMAG: An inspiration to millions around the world, Nelson Mandela was arguably one of the most popular and influential politicians of the 20th century, revered as a global icon and political hero.
Born in the small village of Mvezo in South Africa on 18 July 1918, Mandela was the son of a chief of the Madiba clan, part of the larger Xhosa nation and named Rolihlahla. Literally translated as ‘shaker of trees’, never could a name seem as fitting as the one given to Mandela at birth!
With timelines of his early life, student days, political career, imprisonment and later as the first black President of South Africa, A Celebration Of The Life Of Nelson Mandela will have features, articles and photos from the milestones in Mandela’s life and their effects on him.
After spending 27 years in various prisons in South Africa (most notably on Robben Island), many predicted that Mandela’s release in 1990 would lead to a race war in South Africa.
It is largely because of Mandela that the transition from white rule to free elections in South Africa was mostly bloodless, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 (jointly with FW de Klerk, the President of the country) and further establishing him on the international political stage.
Elected President himself in 1994, it is difficult to underestimate Mandela’s role in bringing together white and black South Africa during this period. From establishing the ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’, which investigated the worst excesses of the apartheid era, to posing in a Springbok shirt at the opening game of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Mandela showed both his political skills and desire to see a single South Africa, governed across colour lines.
As well this, A Celebration Of The Life Of Nelson Mandela will feature Mandela’s later years, including his pioneering campaigns on HIV/AIDS awareness in Africa, promoting education and rural development, along with his work on humanitarian issues, global conflicts and more.
Despite suffering ill health in recent times, even in his twilight years Mandela continued to be an icon for people, countries and organisations around the world. Looking at this enduring appeal, A Celebration Of The Life Of Nelson Mandela will explore his long-term legacy.
