Nelson Mandela's Milestones

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013), anti-apartheid leader and South Africa’s first Black president, symbolized hope, freedom, and reconciliation.
1918

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.

Family July 18, 1918
1925

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.

Education June 1, 1925
1927

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.

Family January 1, 1927

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.

Family January 1, 1927
1934

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.

Other December 1, 1934
1937

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.

Education January 1, 1937 - December 31, 1938
1939

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.

Education January 1, 1939 - December 31, 1940

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.

Education January 1, 1939 - December 31, 1940
1941

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.

Relationship January 1, 1941

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.

Location April 1, 1941
1943

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.

Education January 1, 1943
1944

Joined ANC

Joined the African National Congress (ANC), initially disagreeing with its conservative approach but drawn to its anti-colonial stance.

Career January 1, 1944

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.

Career April 1, 1944

First marriage (Evelyn Mase)

Married Evelyn Ntoko Mase, a trainee nurse from Engcobo, Transkei, and a cousin of Walter Sisulu. They met in Johannesburg.

Relationship October 5, 1944
1945

First child born (Thembekile)

His first child, son Madiba 'Thembi' Thembekile, was born to Evelyn Mase.

Family February 23, 1945
1947

Daughter Makaziwe born (died young)

His first daughter, Makaziwe 'Maki' Mandela, was born but died at nine months old from meningitis.

Family January 1, 1947 - January 1, 1948
1948

ANCYL National Executive

Elected to the National Executive Committee of the ANCYL.

Career January 1, 1948

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.

Other May 26, 1948
1950

Son Makgatho born

Second son, Makgatho Lewanika Mandela, born to Evelyn Mase.

Family August 2, 1950
1952

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.

Career June 26, 1952

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.

Career August 1, 1952

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.

Other December 1, 1952
1954

Daughter Makaziwe born (second)

Second daughter, Pumla Makaziwe 'Maki' Mandela, born (named after their deceased first daughter).

Family May 1, 1954
1955

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.

Achievement June 26, 1955
1956

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.

Career December 5, 1956 - March 29, 1961
1957

Met Winnie Madikizela

Met Nomzamo Winifred 'Winnie' Madikizela, a social worker from Bizana, Pondoland, who was 16 years his junior. They met in Soweto.

Relationship January 1, 1957
1958

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).

Relationship March 18, 1958

Married Winnie Madikizela

Married Winnie Madikizela in a traditional Thembu ceremony in Bizana, during a brief respite in the Treason Trial.

Relationship June 14, 1958
1959

Daughter Zenani born

First daughter with Winnie, Zenani (Zeni) Mandela, born.

Family February 4, 1959
1960

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.

Other March 21, 1960

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.

Career April 8, 1960

Daughter Zindziswa born

Second daughter with Winnie, Zindziswa (Zindzi) Mandela, born.

Family December 23, 1960
1961

Went underground / 'Black Pimpernel'

Went underground to evade police, adopting various disguises and becoming known as the 'Black Pimpernel'.

Other January 1, 1961

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.

Career December 16, 1961
1962

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.

Career January 1, 1962 - July 1, 1962

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.

Other January 11, 1962

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.

Other August 5, 1962

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.

Other October 22, 1962 - November 7, 1962
1963

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.

Other October 9, 1963 - June 12, 1964
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.

Other June 12, 1964

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.

Other June 13, 1964 - March 31, 1982
1968

Mother Nosekeni died

His mother, Nosekeni Fanny Mandela, died. He was not permitted to attend her funeral.

Family January 1, 1968
1969

Son Thembekile died

His eldest son, Thembekile, died in a car accident at age 24. Mandela was not allowed to attend the funeral.

Family July 13, 1969
1982

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.

Other April 1, 1982 - December 7, 1988
1985

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.

Other February 10, 1985

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.

Career July 1, 1985
1988

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.

Other December 7, 1988 - February 11, 1990
1989

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).

Education January 1, 1989

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.

Career July 5, 1989

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.

Other August 15, 1989
1990

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.

Career February 2, 1990

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.

Achievement February 11, 1990

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.

Career March 2, 1990
1991

Elected President of ANC

Elected President of the African National Congress at its National Conference in Durban, succeeding an ailing Oliver Tambo.

Career July 5, 1991

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.

Career December 20, 1991 - July 1, 1993
1992

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.

Relationship April 13, 1992
1993

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'.

Achievement December 10, 1993
1994

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.

Achievement April 27, 1994

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.

Achievement May 10, 1994 - June 14, 1999

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.

Achievement December 1, 1994
1995

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.

Career March 8, 1995

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.

Career December 19, 1995
1996

Divorced Winnie Mandela

Divorce from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was finalized after 38 years of marriage, following a contested court hearing.

Relationship March 19, 1996
1998

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.

Relationship July 18, 1998
1999

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.

Career June 14, 1999

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.

Career August 19, 1999
2004

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.

Other June 1, 2004
2005

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.

Family January 6, 2005
2008

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.

Other June 27, 2008
2010

Last public appearance

Made his final major public appearance at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Other July 11, 2010
2013

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.

Other June 8, 2013 - September 1, 2013

Death

Died peacefully at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at age 95, from complications related to a prolonged respiratory infection, surrounded by his family.

Family December 5, 2013

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.

Other December 15, 2013