World

Nelson Mandela: From being named as 'troublemaker' to revolutionary leader who fought against apartheid

Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen, was born on 18 July 1918. He is fondly remembered for his struggle against apartheid which was widely practised in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for the liberation of black people in South Africa. He passed away on 5th December 2013. Here are 10 interesting facts about the legendary leader.
Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen, was born on 18 July 1918. He is fondly remembered for his struggle against apartheid which was widely practised in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for the liberation of black p
Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen, was born on 18 July 1918. He is fondly remembered for his struggle against apartheid which was widely practised in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for the liberation of black p
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Nelson Mandela was born as Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18th, 1918. In his Xhosa tribe, the name means pulling the branch of a tree or troublemaker. The name Nelson was given to him by his teacher as she could not pronounce his name. (Photo | Wiki commons)
Nelson Mandela was born as Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18th, 1918. In his Xhosa tribe, the name means pulling the branch of a tree or troublemaker. The name Nelson was given to him by his teacher as she could not pronounce his name. (Photo | Wiki commons)
Mandela's father died when he was only 9 years old and he was adopted by the village chief. Right from his childhood days, he was interested in African history. (Photo | AP)
Mandela's father died when he was only 9 years old and he was adopted by the village chief. Right from his childhood days, he was interested in African history. (Photo | AP)
When Mandela was elected as the student representative council at the University of Fort Hare, he resigned, aligning with the students who were protesting against the quality of the food served. Shortly he was expelled from the University. (Photo | AP)
When Mandela was elected as the student representative council at the University of Fort Hare, he resigned, aligning with the students who were protesting against the quality of the food served. Shortly he was expelled from the University. (Photo | AP)
On July 15, 1944 he married nurse Evelyn Ntoko Mase. That year he also officially joined the African National Congress. (Photo | Wiki commons)
On July 15, 1944 he married nurse Evelyn Ntoko Mase. That year he also officially joined the African National Congress. (Photo | Wiki commons)
When Mandela was imprisoned, he suffered the losses of two close family members. His mother passed away in 1968 followed by the death of his eldest son. (Photo | Wiki commons)
When Mandela was imprisoned, he suffered the losses of two close family members. His mother passed away in 1968 followed by the death of his eldest son. (Photo | Wiki commons)
Nelson wrote his secret autobiography when he was in prison from 1962 to 1990. The book was later published as 'Long Walk to Freedom' in 1994. (Photo | Wiki commons)
Nelson wrote his secret autobiography when he was in prison from 1962 to 1990. The book was later published as 'Long Walk to Freedom' in 1994. (Photo | Wiki commons)
He was not only involved in fighting against apartheid but he also raised social awareness about AIDS. His own son died from complications of the virus in 2005. (Photo | AP)
He was not only involved in fighting against apartheid but he also raised social awareness about AIDS. His own son died from complications of the virus in 2005. (Photo | AP)
Mandela made it a point to always arrive on time. He regarded lack of punctuality as a character flaw. (Photo | AP)
Mandela made it a point to always arrive on time. He regarded lack of punctuality as a character flaw. (Photo | AP)
He received more than 695 awards, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. More than 25 schools, universities and educational institutions have been named after Nelson Mandela. At least 19 scholarships and foundations bear his name. He was awarded 115 honorary degrees and more than 95 sculptures, statues, or pieces of art have been created, inspired by him or dedicated to him. (Photo | AP)
He received more than 695 awards, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. More than 25 schools, universities and educational institutions have been named after Nelson Mandela. At least 19 scholarships and foundations bear his name. He was awarded 115 honorary degrees and more than 95 sculptures, statues, or pieces of art have been created, inspired by him or dedicated to him. (Photo | AP)
In 2009, the United Nations declared that Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated every year on July 18 (his birthday). The purpose of the day is to honour Mandela's legacy and promote community service. (Photo | AP)
In 2009, the United Nations declared that Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated every year on July 18 (his birthday). The purpose of the day is to honour Mandela's legacy and promote community service. (Photo | AP)
Nelson Mandela
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