A Nelson Mandela Biography

Prof. Soodyall: [talking to Madiba] "Your ancestry, just studying what you got from your maternal side, would suggest an input from Khoisan ancestry."
Mandela is also descended from the first people of South Africa – the Khoisan. Nelson Mandela [born in Transkei]: "Actually people like Harry the Strandloper whose real name was Outarmiyo (sp) he was one of the first freedom fighters to go to Robben Island. I addressed a meeting of coloured intellectuals in Pretoria when I was President. A retired teacher said 'we know why you are so close to the coloured people, because you are a coloured yourself'”

I've provided some background and placed links to various publications on this page. Get your own copy. Read The Long Walk to Freedom

Robben Island has become a place of special memories and attracts Cape Town tour visitors from around the World. Mandela was imprisoned on Robben island for many years and from there eventually transferred to local prisons on the mainland before his eventual release in 1990.

Madiba's famous freedom speech was delivered to the crowds in Cape Town on 11 February 1990.

On this page you'll find images, descriptions and links to some of the best selling books, dvd and videos about Nelson Mandela that are currently available.

Find out how Mandela lived and how he devoted his life to achieving racial equality and democracy in Cape Town and South Africa.

Some Background.

Nelson Mandela is one of the most recognised figures on the planet. He became a source of inspiration to the black oppressed people in South Africa in the 1950s during the notorious Apartheid regime and an icon of liberation after his release from prison.

The word apartheid defines a system of racial oppression that is now considered shameful to many white South Africans who benefited from preferential human rights, education and freedom of movement.

Nelson Mandela was instrumental in transforming the early ANC (African National Congress) into a mass organisation representing the oppressed people of South Africa. His involvement in the ANC Youth League resulted in the Programme of Action which was based on the principles of civil disobedience and non-cooperation, Ghandi style.

The ANC was banned in 1960 and Nelson Mandela was arrested and spent time in detention. After his release he went 'underground' to spearhead the efforts for liberation and democratic reform. Realising that the South African government would only respond to their demands by force, Mandela and other leaders began preparing for an armed struggle. They formed a military wing of the ANC known as Umkhonto we Sizwe.<>Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for 'sabotage' at the Rivonia Trial in 1964. He was incarcerated on Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town where he spent 20 years. During his time on the island Mandela became a symbol for the growing anti-apartheid movement. He continued to promote political awareness and pursue his principles of racial equality and democracy.

The unbalanced system of government in South Africa became more and more controversial as internal unrest mounted and the prospect of economic and political isolation loomed. Gradually, in the face of increasing international opposition and the impending release of Nelson Mandela, the government began dismantling discrimatory laws and easing up on racial oppression.

Nelson Mandela had been moved to Pollsmoor prison in 1984 and to Victor Verster Prison near Paarl in 1988 where he was literally kept under house arrest. After long negotiation the authorities released Mandela in February 1990.

Nelson Mandela was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1993 together with FW de Klerk, the then state president, who had been instrumental in taking steps to bring about his release from prison, unban the ANC, and who had set in motion sweeping policy changes in South Africa.

The first post apartheid democratic election was held in South Africa in May 1994. The ANC was voted into power and Nelson Mandela was elected State President. He retired from office in 1999.

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