Mission
Nelson Mandela's mission was to unify Africa. Mandela preached the importance of equality and worked to ensure everyone understand this concept. He influenced others to treat others as equal and to accept individuals may be different than them. He created the foundation, inspired a vision, influenced others to act, challenged the process and connected to the heart. These elements were the peaceful tactics that enabled Nelson Mandela to become such an influential leader.
1962: Prison
Nelson Mandela became a leader in the African National Congress (ANC). At first he pushed hard for the congress and the protesters to follow Mohandas Gandhi's non-violence approach. At one point he started to doubt that this approach would work and started up an armed branch of the ANC. He planned to bomb certain buildings, but only the buildings. He wanted to make sure that no one would be hurt. He was classified as a terrorist by the South African government and sent to prison.
Mandela would spend the next 27 years in prison. His prison sentence brought international visibility to the anti-apartheid movement. He was finally released through international pressure in 1990.
Once released from prison, Nelson continued his campaign to end apartheid. His hard work and life long effort paid off when all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election. Nelson Mandela won the election and became president of South Africa. There were several times during the process where violence threatened to break out. Nelson was a strong force in keeping the calm and preventing a major civil war.
Mandela would spend the next 27 years in prison. His prison sentence brought international visibility to the anti-apartheid movement. He was finally released through international pressure in 1990.
Once released from prison, Nelson continued his campaign to end apartheid. His hard work and life long effort paid off when all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election. Nelson Mandela won the election and became president of South Africa. There were several times during the process where violence threatened to break out. Nelson was a strong force in keeping the calm and preventing a major civil war.
1964: Trial
On April 20th, 1964 Mandela was charged with sabotage. He delivered a statement during his trial that explained the depth of his resolve in the battle against apartheid and his dedication to sacrifice his life in an effort to end the white racist rule.
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people," Mandela said. "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Two months later, Mandela and seven other defendants were sentenced to life in prison.
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people," Mandela said. "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Two months later, Mandela and seven other defendants were sentenced to life in prison.
1994: Inauguration
On May 10th 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa after democratic elections. Mandela made it clear in his inauguration speech that never again shall Africa suffer from the oppression of one another. He explained the importance of freedom and his goal to permanently instill these values.
2003: Effort Against AIDS
Nelson Mandela also has a strong interest in the effort against AIDS. Mandela's son died from AIDS. Mandela believes that AIDS is another war that can be conquered. Since 2003, Mandela has supported the '46664' concerts to support HIV/AIDS victims and research.