Who was Nelson Mandela and tell about his contribution to society ?

As president, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights and political violations committed by both supporters and opponents of apartheid between 1960 and 1994.

He also introduced numerous social and economic programs designed to improve the living standards of South Africa’s black population.

In 1996 Mandela presided over the enactment of a new South African constitution, which established a strong central government based on majority rule and prohibited discrimination against minorities, including whites.

Improving race relations, discouraging blacks from retaliating against the white minority and building a new international image of a united South Africa were central to President Mandela’s agenda.

To these ends, he formed a multiracial “Government of National Unity” and proclaimed the country a “rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” In a gesture seen as a major step toward reconciliation, he encouraged blacks and whites alike to rally around the predominantly Afrikaner national rugby team when South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

On his 80th birthday in 1998, Mandela wed the politician and humanitarian Graça Machel (1945-), widow of the former president of Mozambique.

(His marriage to Winnie had ended in divorce in 1992.) The following year, he retired from politics at the end of his first term as president and was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki (1942-) of the ANC.

After leaving office, Nelson Mandela remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own country and around the world.

After leaving office, Nelson Mandela remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own country and around the world.

In 2002, Mandela became a vocal advocate of AIDS awareness and treatment programs in a culture where the epidemic had been cloaked in stigma and ignorance.

The disease later claimed the life of his son Makgatho (1950-2005) and is believed to affect more people in South Africa than in any other country.

Treated for prostate cancer in 2001 and weakened by other health issues, Mandela grew increasingly frail in his later years and scaled back his schedule of public appearances.

In 2009, the United Nations declared July 18 “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the South African leader’s contributions to democracy, freedom, peace and human rights around the world. Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013 from a recurring lung infection.

nelson mandela was one of the first black president of south africa.

Nelson Mandela was born on 18th July 1918 in South Africa. He had thirteen siblings by the same father, but different mothers. His father died when he was 9 and he was the first member of his family who was sent to school. In 1941 he was expelled from university because he led a group of students on a political strike.

Mandela was sent to prison for life in 1962 for protesting against poverty, inequality and racism against black people in South Africa during the apartheid

. This man that changed the world grew up in a tiny village and was the first member of his family to attend school.

His father, who served as a counselor to tribal chiefs, died when he was 9, and the boy was adopted by the Thembu regent, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

In 1952, Mandela and Oliver Tambo set up South Africa’s first black-run law firm

He started off as a pacifist — then took up arms. Though he was initially committed to nonviolent protest, Mandela changed his stance in the early sixties and began advocating a sabotage campaign against the government.

4. Mandela was a master of disguise and a genius at evading arrest. He was dubbed the Black Pimpernel for his legendary ability to escape capture.

He was dressed in a chauffeur’s outfit when he was finally arrested. In 1962, Mandela was finally apprehended while driving with fellow activist Cecil Williams.

. A courtroom speech about being ready to die helped save his life. Mandela’s speech during his trial received international attention and was published as I Am Prepared to Die

In prison, he was highly skilled at secretly passing notes. During his incarceration on infamous Robben Island, Mandela and the other prisoners would communicate by leaving notes in discarded matchboxes, under piles of dirty dishes, and taped in toilet tanks

. He had a chance to get out of prison — and declined, on principle. In 1985 South African President P.W. Botha offered Mandela his freedom if he would agree to renounce armed struggle.