Former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela has passed away in his home at the age of 95. He was admitted to hospital earlier this year on Saturday the 8th of June with pnemonia and was receiving intense medical care for a lung infection at the time of his death.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born to the Tembu Tribe Chief Henry Mandela on June 18, 1918. He was educated at University College of Fort Hare as well as the University of Witswatersland, qualifying in law in 1942. By 1948 Mandela had become a leading participant in resistance against the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies, and in 1962 was jailed for his activities. He spent 27 years in prison, during which time he continued to gain recognition for refusing to compromise his political position despite offers of release.
Mandela finally regained his freedom after apartheid was abolished in 1990, and he went right back to work on achieving his goals for his country. In 1993 he received the Nobel Peace Prize, and 1994 saw him become the first black President of South Africa. He held that position for five years, and then, in 2004, retired from public life. Following his retirement, Mandela was frequently in hospital for treatment related to lung damage that he is believed to have sustained while working on quarries in jail.
Mandela will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
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