The greatest African leader today lives in a bungalow in a south African suburb respected all over the world because he fought a life battle against oppression and injustice, served one term as his country’s president, emerged without stealing his country’s money into foreign accounts to developing the west.
He was born in 18 July 1918. His childhood name was Rolihlahla, which is loosely translated as "pulling the branch of a tree", or a euphemism for "troublemaker". In later years he became known by his clan name Mandiba. He said "No one in my family had ever attended school. On the first day of school my teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave each of us an English name. This was the custom among Africans in those days and was undoubtedly due to the British bias of our education. That day, Miss Mdingane told me that my new name was Nelson. Why this particular name I have no idea." Hence the name Nelson Mandila.
In 1961, he was convicted for inciting people to strike and leaving the country without a passport and sentenced to five years imprisonment and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage in what was known as the "Rivonia Trial".
He was released on 11 February 1990 after serving 27 years in prison. He has received over 250 awards including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Soviet Order of Lenin.
His father, though died of an undiagnosed disease he believes he died of lung disease. Today, the greatest African leader lies at death's door with lung infection whiles the world prematurely announces his death. His legacies will live forever whether dead or alive!
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