Tuesday, June 18, 2013 3:25 PM EST

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other alleged crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his sentence, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island. Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa.

Many, including former opponents, have frequently praised Mandela. In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.

Mandela has received more than 250 awards over four decades, most notably the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly announced that Mandela's birthday, 18 July, is to be known as 'Mandela Day' to mark his contribution to world freedom.

Headlines Around the Web

Mandela out of hospital

Mar 11 - Politico

Independent News & Media to sell SA unit

Feb 18 - Financial Times

Famous Mandela trial to be digitised

May 11, 2012 - France24

South Africa: Mandela to Appear on New Banknotes

Feb 12, 2012 - AllAfrica News

Articles About Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s Family Member Deeply Touched by Prayers around the World

By IBTimes AU

Nelson Mandela is responding better to treatment and his family is grateful for all the people who extended support (Jun 13)

MORE TOPICS: JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, INFECTION

Mandela
Nelson Mandela 'Responding to Treatment' After Hospital Scare

By IBTimes UK

South African president Jacob Zuma says anti-apartheid figurehead is recovering after five days in hospital. (Jun 12)

MORE TOPICS: ARGENTINA, JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, INFECTION

A makeshift tribute from wellwishers outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela: Is South Africa Heading for a Zimbabwe-style Meltdown?

By IBTimes UK

As anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela lies critically ill in hospital, Catherine Everett ponders risks and dangers facing Rainbow Nation. (Jun 11)

MORE TOPICS: AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, UNEMPLOYMENT, GDP, JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE

Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela Still in “Serious but Stable Condition”, South Africans Ready to Let Him Go

By IBTimes AU

Nelson Mandela remains in the hospital as South Africans pray for him (Jun 11)

MORE TOPICS: ARGENTINA, SOUTH AFRICA, INFECTION

Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela: Time to Let Him Go, Says Friend [VIDEO]

By IBTimes UK

Presidential spokesman says Mandela’s condition is stable but not improving. (Jun 10)

MORE TOPICS: SOUTH AFRICA, INFECTION, CONGRESS

Handout picture of former South African President Nelson Mandela hugging his great granddaughter Zenani Mandela in Diepkloof, Soweto
Nelson Mandela Hospitalised, Condition ‘Serious But Stable’

By IBTimes IN

Nelson Mandela was rushed to hospital following a renewed lung infection on Saturday. The former South African President's condition has been reported as 'serious but stable'. (Jun 08)

MORE TOPICS: JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, INFECTION

Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela Back in Hospital in 'Serious Condition'

By IBTimes UK

Former president of South Africa readmitted for treatment on recurring lung infection (Jun 08)

MORE TOPICS: JACOB ZUMA, INFECTION

South Africa's Zuma takes a drubbing for run on rand

By Reuters UK

The next time South African President Jacob Zuma wants to talk up the economy, he might do better to hold his tongue. (May 31)

MORE TOPICS: AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, JAPAN, JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, CONGRESS

Paul Blomkamp
Nelson Mandela at 95: Huge Portrait of South Africa's Political Giant for Sale

By IBTimes UK

Artist Paul Blomkamp creates 4.2m(14ft) x 4.2m(14ft) portrait of Nelson Mandela. (May 21)

MORE TOPICS: RICHARD BRANSON, FACEBOOK, SOUTH AFRICA, LONDON

Marc Lottering
My South African Adventure: Post-Apartheid Comics Play the Race Card for Laughs [BLOG]

By IBTimes UK

You can tell a lot about a country by what it finds funny about itself, says new South Africa expat Cath Everett. (May 17)

MORE TOPICS: CALIFORNIA, JACOB ZUMA, SOUTH AFRICA, VODACOM, LONDON