Mandela in 2008 President of South Africa In office 10 May 199414 June 1999 2 September 199814 June 1999 Born:Rolihlahla Mandela 18 July 1918 Mvezo, South Africa Nationality:South African Political party:African National Congress Spouse:Evelyn Ntoko Mase Winnie Madikizela Graa Machel Children:6 Residence:Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Alma mater:University of Fort Hare University of London External System University of South Africa University of the Witwatersrand Religion:Methodism Signature: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a South African politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, the first ever to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before being elected President, Mandela was a militant anti-apartheid activist, and the leader and co-founder of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress . In 1962 he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges, and sentenced to life. Mandela went on to serve 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island. Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations that led to the establishment of democracy in 1994. As President, he frequently gave priority to reconciliation, while introducing policies aimed at combating poverty and inequality in South Africa. |