Mandela's Early Life
Young Nelson Mandela in traditional
tribal clothing.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, In Mvezo Transkei, South Africa, into the Madiba clan. His father was Chief Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, or Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe, and he was principal counsellor to the Acting King of the Tembu people. He died in 1927 of tuberculosis. After his father’s death, Nelson became ward of Jongintaba at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni. From his wise elders, he heard the stories about his ancestor’s bravery in their battle to defend their homeland in South Africa. These words inspired him to fight for the freedom of the people in South Africa, then.
Nelson Mandela was the first member of his family to go to school. He was given the English name “Nelson” by his teacher, and he received his primary and secondary school education at a mission school in his area. Afterwards, he went to University College of Forte Hare to study to get his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He met Oliver Tambo at this school, and they became best friends. Near the end of his first school year, he was expelled from College after boycotting The Students’ Representative Council and their university policies.
Nelson Mandela then went to Johannesburg to complete his Degree. He went into politics while studying there by joining African National Congress in 1942. After completing his Bachelor of Arts, he started studying law at the University of Witwatersrand. He wanted to defend people were were being prosecuted under the laws of Apartheid. At this time, he lived in Alexandra Township. Later, when he is in prison, Mandela will study for a Bachelor of Laws from the university from London. He has honorary degrees from more than 50 international colleges.
Nelson Mandela was the first member of his family to go to school. He was given the English name “Nelson” by his teacher, and he received his primary and secondary school education at a mission school in his area. Afterwards, he went to University College of Forte Hare to study to get his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He met Oliver Tambo at this school, and they became best friends. Near the end of his first school year, he was expelled from College after boycotting The Students’ Representative Council and their university policies.
Nelson Mandela then went to Johannesburg to complete his Degree. He went into politics while studying there by joining African National Congress in 1942. After completing his Bachelor of Arts, he started studying law at the University of Witwatersrand. He wanted to defend people were were being prosecuted under the laws of Apartheid. At this time, he lived in Alexandra Township. Later, when he is in prison, Mandela will study for a Bachelor of Laws from the university from London. He has honorary degrees from more than 50 international colleges.