Name Nelson Mandela Occupation President (non-U.S.), Writer, Civil Rights Activist Birth Date July 18, 1918 Death Date December 5, 2013 Education Clarkebury Boarding Institute, Wesleyan College, University College of Fort Hare, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, University of London Place of Birth Mveso, Transkei, South Africa Place of Death Johannesburg, South Africa AKA Nelson Mandela Rolihlahla Full Name Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Nickname Madiba Black Pimpernel Originally Rolihlahla Mandela Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999. A symbol of global peacemaking, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Nelson Mandela - Dedication to Activism (TV-14; 01:46) Despite overwhelming odds and the outlawing of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela remained dedicated to his cause for freedom. Synopsis Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. Becoming actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s, Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1942. For 20 years, he directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies. In 1993, Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country's apartheid system. In 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. In 2009, Mandela's birthday (July 18) was declared "Mandela Day" to promote global peace and celebrate the South African leader's legacy. Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013, at age 95.

*$*