Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, once the world's most
famous political prisoner, emerged from a 27-year jail term in 1990
to lead South Africa from apartheid to democracy.
His charisma, generosity of spirit, and an unwavering commitment
to the well-being of his fellow humans, earned him love and acclaim
across the globe.
It also earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Even after he stepped down from the presidency in 1999, he
continued as an elder statesman to champion the cause of
reconciliation, peace and human rights, speaking out strongly on
issues including Aids and armed conflict.
Nelson Rolihlahla Dalibungha Mandela was born in the Transkei on
July 18, 1918, and trained as a lawyer. He became a key figure in
the African National Congress (ANC) and its decision in 1955 to
embark on organised resistance to the newly-elected National Party
in the form of the Defiance Campaign.
Going underground after the ANC was banned in 1960, he was
arrested and sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment for plotting
the overthrow of the government.
He served the bulk of his time on Robben Island, where he became
a symbol of apartheid injustice.
Freed by the reformist head of state FW de Klerk in 1990, he was
elected president of the ANC the following year. In May 1994 he was
inaugurated president of South Africa by a new non-racial
Parliament.
He formally retired from public life in June 2004, just short of
his 86th birthday, and only weeks after playing a major role in
helping secure the 2010 soccer World Cup for South Africa.
However he continued to lend support to causes such as the 46664
anti-Aids campaign, and to speak out against poverty.
On his 80th birthday in 1998 he married Graca Machel, widow of
former Mozambican president Samora Machel.
In his later years Mandela was increasingly frail. He made his
last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the World Cup.
In early 2011, fears for his health grew when he battled a
serious respiratory infection that would recur in coming years.
When he turned 93 a few months later, he retired to his country
home in the Eastern Cape.
In December 2012 he was treated again for a lung infection in
hospital then was admitted again on March 27, 2013 to be treated
for pneumonia.
After his discharge, the public broadcaster televised footage of
him on April 27, looking remote, but comfortable in an easy chair
at home.
In the early hours of June 8, Mandela was again taken to
hospital.
A news report that his ambulance had broken down on the road
there was confirmed by the presidency which hastened to add that
there was no danger to his health at the time because he had seven
doctors, nurses, and a fully equipped ICU in his convoy.
On Sunday night, June 23, the presidency said his condition had
changed to critical, and Zuma asked for prayers of support for him,
his family, and his medical team.
On Monday 24, family and key government ministers flew into
Mthatha for a private meeting in Qunu. The presidency issued
another statement, to say Mandela remained critical.
On Wednesday, June 26, the nation held its breath after
President Jacob Zuma cancelled a trip to neighbouring Maputo at
short notice but the next day he reported that Mandela's condition
had stabilised overnight.
Mandela had six children by two previous marriages, including
two daughters with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
