Nelson Mandela's Milestones
Birth
Born Rolihlahla Mandela in the village of Mvezo, near Mthatha in the Transkei region of South Africa's Cape Province. His father was Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, a local chief and councillor to the monarch of the Thembu people.
Started school
At about age seven, began attending a local Methodist primary school near Qunu, where his teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave him the English name 'Nelson', in accordance with the custom of giving all schoolchildren 'Christian' names.
Father's death
His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, died of a lung disease when Rolihlahla was about nine years old. This significantly altered his childhood.
Moved to Great Place
Following his father's death, his mother Nosekeni Fanny took him to Mqhekezweni, the royal residence of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu people, who became his guardian.
Circumcision ritual
Underwent the traditional Xhosa circumcision ritual (ulwaluko) at age 16, marking his transition to manhood. He was given the name Dalibunga at this ceremony.
Clarkebury Boarding Institute
Attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute in Engcobo, a Wesleyan mission school, the largest secondary school for Black Africans in Thembuland. He completed his Junior Certificate in two years instead of the usual three.
Healdtown Comprehensive School
Studied at Healdtown, a Wesleyan college in Fort Beaufort, where he matriculated. He developed an interest in boxing and long-distance running here.
University of Fort Hare
Began studies for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University College of Fort Hare, a prestigious institution for Black Africans. Met Oliver Tambo here, who became a lifelong friend and colleague. Expelled in 1940 for participating in a student strike over food quality.
Met Walter Sisulu
Met Walter Sisulu, an ANC activist and estate agent, who became a crucial friend, mentor, and political guide. Sisulu helped him secure articles at a law firm.
Fled to Johannesburg
To escape an arranged marriage by Regent Jongintaba, fled with his cousin Justice to Johannesburg. Initially worked as a night watchman at a gold mine.
Started law studies (Witwatersrand)
Began studying law part-time at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, the only Black African student in the faculty at the time. Did not complete this degree there.
Joined ANC
Joined the African National Congress (ANC), initially disagreeing with its conservative approach but drawn to its anti-colonial stance.
Co-founded ANC Youth League
Co-founded the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) with Anton Lembede, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, and others, advocating for a more radical, mass-based programme of action.
First marriage (Evelyn Mase)
Married Evelyn Ntoko Mase, a trainee nurse from Engcobo, Transkei, and a cousin of Walter Sisulu. They met in Johannesburg.
First child born (Thembekile)
His first child, son Madiba 'Thembi' Thembekile, was born to Evelyn Mase.
Daughter Makaziwe born (died young)
His first daughter, Makaziwe 'Maki' Mandela, was born but died at nine months old from meningitis.
ANCYL National Executive
Elected to the National Executive Committee of the ANCYL.
National Party victory / Apartheid begins
The Afrikaner-dominated National Party won the general election, beginning the formal implementation of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.
Son Makgatho born
Second son, Makgatho Lewanika Mandela, born to Evelyn Mase.
Defiance Campaign
Appointed National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign Against Unjust Laws, a nationwide civil disobedience movement. He travelled the country organizing resistance. Arrested and given a suspended sentence.
Law firm partnership
Opened South Africa's first Black-owned law firm, Mandela and Tambo, in Johannesburg, providing affordable legal counsel to Black South Africans.
Banning order
Served with his first 'banning order' under the Suppression of Communism Act, severely restricting his movement, political activities, and ability to practice law.
Daughter Makaziwe born (second)
Second daughter, Pumla Makaziwe 'Maki' Mandela, born (named after their deceased first daughter).
Congress of the People / Freedom Charter
Though banned from attending, played a significant role in organizing the Congress of the People in Kliptown, which adopted the Freedom Charter, a seminal document outlining a vision for a non-racial, democratic South Africa.
Treason Trial begins
Arrested with 155 other anti-apartheid leaders and charged with high treason. The trial lasted over four years, during which the state failed to prove its case. All accused were eventually acquitted in March 1961.
Met Winnie Madikizela
Met Nomzamo Winifred 'Winnie' Madikizela, a social worker from Bizana, Pondoland, who was 16 years his junior. They met in Soweto.
Divorce from Evelyn Mase
Divorced Evelyn Mase. Their marriage had been strained by his political activism and her religious devotion (she became a Jehovah's Witness).
Married Winnie Madikizela
Married Winnie Madikizela in a traditional Thembu ceremony in Bizana, during a brief respite in the Treason Trial.
Daughter Zenani born
First daughter with Winnie, Zenani (Zeni) Mandela, born.
Sharpeville Massacre
Police opened fire on unarmed Black protesters in Sharpeville, killing 69 people and injuring over 180. This event marked a turning point, leading to increased repression and radicalization of the anti-apartheid movement.
ANC banned
Following the Sharpeville Massacre and a state of emergency, the ANC and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) were declared illegal organizations by the apartheid government.
Daughter Zindziswa born
Second daughter with Winnie, Zindziswa (Zindzi) Mandela, born.
Went underground / 'Black Pimpernel'
Went underground to evade police, adopting various disguises and becoming known as the 'Black Pimpernel'.
Founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK)
Co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe ('Spear of the Nation'), the armed wing of the ANC, in response to government violence and the banning of peaceful protest. MK launched a campaign of sabotage against government installations.
Military training and African tour
Received military training in Algeria and Ethiopia. Visited leaders in several African countries (e.g., Egypt, Tunisia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal) and in London to garner support for the anti-apartheid struggle.
Left South Africa illegally
Left South Africa illegally to attend the Pan-African Freedom Movement conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to arrange military training for MK cadres in other African countries.
Arrested near Howick
Captured by police at a roadblock near Howick, Natal, after returning to South Africa. It's widely believed that CIA intelligence played a role in his arrest.
First trial (incitement and leaving country)
Tried in Pretoria for inciting workers to strike and for leaving the country without a valid passport. Conducted his own defense. Sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour.
Rivonia Trial
While serving his sentence, police raided Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, a secret ANC/MK hideout, arresting key leaders and seizing documents. Mandela was brought from prison to stand trial with them on charges of sabotage and other crimes (conspiracy to overthrow the government by revolution). He delivered his famous 'I Am Prepared to Die' speech from the dock on April 20, 1964.
Life sentence
Sentenced to life imprisonment. He and his co-accused (including Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada) were spared the death penalty, partly due to international pressure.
Imprisoned on Robben Island
Began his life sentence on Robben Island, a maximum-security prison off the coast of Cape Town. Classified as a 'D-group' prisoner (lowest classification), subjected to hard labour in a lime quarry. Became an international symbol of resistance against apartheid.
Mother Nosekeni died
His mother, Nosekeni Fanny Mandela, died. He was not permitted to attend her funeral.
Son Thembekile died
His eldest son, Thembekile, died in a car accident at age 24. Mandela was not allowed to attend the funeral.
Transferred to Pollsmoor Prison
Transferred from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison in Tokai, Cape Town, along with other senior ANC leaders. Conditions were slightly better.
Refused conditional release (renounce violence)
Rejected President P.W. Botha's offer of conditional release, which required him to renounce violence and armed struggle. Mandela stated that only free men could negotiate and that the government must first dismantle apartheid and unban the ANC.
Secret talks with government begin
Began secret exploratory talks with Minister of Justice Kobie Coetsee and other government officials while still in Pollsmoor, laying groundwork for future negotiations.
Transferred to Victor Verster Prison
Moved to Victor Verster Prison near Paarl, where he lived in a private house (a former warder's cottage) with relative comfort and more freedom to receive visitors. This facilitated further negotiations.
Completed LLB via UNISA
While in Victor Verster Prison, completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree through correspondence with the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Met with P.W. Botha
Held a historic meeting over tea with State President P.W. Botha at Tuynhuys, the presidential residence in Cape Town. This was a significant step in the negotiation process.
F.W. de Klerk becomes President
F.W. de Klerk replaced P.W. Botha as State President, signaling a potential shift in government policy towards reform.
ANC unbanned
President F.W. de Klerk announced in Parliament the unbanning of the ANC, PAC, South African Communist Party, and other political organizations, and the unconditional release of political prisoners, including Mandela.
Released from prison
Released unconditionally from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years, 6 months, and 6 days of political imprisonment. Walked free hand-in-hand with Winnie, a globally televised event that symbolized hope for a new South Africa.
Elected Deputy President of ANC
Elected Deputy President of the ANC at its first legal national conference in South Africa in 30 years, with Oliver Tambo as President.
Elected President of ANC
Elected President of the African National Congress at its National Conference in Durban, succeeding an ailing Oliver Tambo.
Negotiations for democratic transition (CODESA)
Led the ANC in complex and often fraught negotiations with the National Party government and other political groups at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) to establish a new democratic constitution.
Separated from Winnie Mandela
Announced his separation from Winnie Mandela due to personal and political differences, following allegations of her involvement in violence and infidelity.
Nobel Peace Prize
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with President F.W. de Klerk 'for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa'.
First democratic election
Voted for the first time in his life in South Africa's first non-racial, democratic general election. The ANC won a landslide victory.
Inaugurated as President
Inaugurated as the first democratically elected President of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, at age 75. His presidency focused on national reconciliation, reconstruction, and development.
Published autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom'
Published his acclaimed autobiography, 'Long Walk to Freedom', which chronicled his life and struggle against apartheid. It became an international bestseller.
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
Established the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF), donating a third of his presidential salary to support projects benefiting impoverished and vulnerable children and youth.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
The Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act was passed, establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to investigate human rights abuses committed during apartheid by all sides.
Divorced Winnie Mandela
Divorce from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was finalized after 38 years of marriage, following a contested court hearing.
Married Graça Machel
Married Graça Machel, widow of Mozambican President Samora Machel, on his 80th birthday. She became the first woman to have been First Lady of two different countries.
Stepped down as President
Voluntarily stepped down after serving one five-year term as President, respecting the constitutional term limit and facilitating a smooth transition of power to Thabo Mbeki.
Established Nelson Mandela Foundation
Established the Nelson Mandela Foundation, focusing on rural development, school construction, and combating HIV/AIDS, after his retirement from the presidency.
Retired from public life
Announced his formal retirement from public life at age 85, famously telling the press: 'Don't call me, I'll call you.' He stated he wanted to spend more time with his family and in quiet reflection, though he continued some charitable work.
Son Makgatho died of AIDS
His second son, Makgatho Lewanika Mandela, died of AIDS-related complications at age 54. Mandela publicly announced the cause of death to help destigmatize the disease.
90th birthday celebrations / 46664 concert
Celebrated his 90th birthday with various events, including a major 46664 fundraising concert in London's Hyde Park, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness.
Last public appearance
Made his final major public appearance at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Hospitalized for respiratory infection
Hospitalized for a recurring lung infection. His condition became critical at times, and he remained in hospital for nearly three months before returning home for continued intensive care.
Death
Died peacefully at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at age 95, from complications related to a prolonged respiratory infection, surrounded by his family.
State funeral and burial
Following ten days of national mourning and numerous memorial services, a state funeral was held in his childhood village of Qunu, Eastern Cape, attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and millions of South Africans. He was buried according to Thembu tradition.