A lot of schools and universities will give you essays and research papers to write. One of the most popular topics would be Nelson Mandela.
We’ll give you a couple of ideas on what to write about the philanthropist.
Continue reading below to find out more about what his life was all about. See how he spearheaded the efforts to dismantle South Africa’s apartheid system.
Who Is Nelson Mandela?
Rolihlahla Mandela or more known as Nelson Mandela is a popular South African figure. Many recognize Mandela as the man who stood up for what he believed in life. He was a social rights activist, philanthropist, and politician.
Mandela was involved in the anti-apartheid movement. By 1942, he also joined the African National Congress. He organized a peaceful and non-violent campaign against the racist policies of the government. This propelled Mandela to be the inspiration for worldwide civil rights activists.
- Personal Life, Wife, and Children
Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, Mbashe River in Transkei, South Africa, Mandela lived in a small village. His name ” Rolihlahla ” means pulling branch of a tree or a troublemaker in the Xhosa language.
He was the first in his family to go to school. It was through school that his teacher changed his name into Nelson. This was because of the British Educational System bias in the country.
Mandela had gone through three marriages. He had six children, four from Evelyn Ntoko mase in 1944, two from Winnie Madikizela in 1958. He then remained with Graca Machel from 1958 until his death which was in 2013.
- Political Awakening
When Mandela reached the age of 16, he had his introduction to rituals and rules. He needed to undergo traditional African circumcision.
It was important for African men to undergo this ritual. Or else they will not be able to inherit their father’s wealth, marry, or even officiate tribal rituals.
Mandela heard the main speaker Chief Meligqili. The chief lamented that young men were only enslaved in their own land. He added that the reason for this was because of the white men. The chief further pointed out that they were never given the power to take the helm of their own country.
There was more discussion about young men struggling in making a living. They would only be at the mercy of serving white men.
At first, Mandela didn’t think anything of it. But in the later years, he would use it as a driving force to push for independence in South Africa.
- His Years in Prison
Mandela was always dedicated to peaceful protests. But he began thinking about how armed struggle might be the only way to see the changes they longed. This paved the way for the foundation of Umkhonto We Sizwe or MK.
The MK was an armed offshoot targeting the ANC. They worked to sabotage and use guerilla war tactics to be able to stop the apartheid.
His arrest stemmed from organizing a three-day national worker’s strike in 1961. In the following year, Mandela found himself stuck in prison for 5 years. Then in 1963, Mandela faced trial once more. This time with ten other ANC leaders; they received life imprisonment sentences.
For what grounds? This time, it was for a criminal offense with sabotage.
Mandela was in prison from 1962 to 1990, a total of 27 years. His incarceration was at Robben Island for 18 years. He received the lowest treatment in prison for being black.
He was able to earn a degree in bachelor of law. This was with help from a University of London correspondence program.
He and the other ANC leaders were then moved to Pollsmoor prison. An offer of release surfaced. This was on the condition that they renounce their armed struggle. This was something that they rejected on the spot.
Mandela experienced release from prison. He wasted no time and urged foreign powers to lower down their pressure. This meant the ease on the South African government of constitutional reform.
He was still committed to a peaceful struggle but reiterated that the ANC will not stop. Not until the black majority gets the right to vote.
- The Nobel Peace Prize
Mandela received the Nobel peace prize with president F. W. de Klerk. This was for their efforts in thwarting the apartheid.
Right after his release from prison, Mandela worked with president de Klerk. They worked towards holding the first multiracial elections in the country.
Negotiations were often strained, and violence burst everywhere. This also led to the assassination of ANC leader Chris Hani. Mandela had to work hard to keep the balance from all sides.
- Journey through Presidency
It was from 1994 to 1999 that Mandela became president of South Africa. He transitioned the country to accept a black majority rule. He used sports to bring black South Africans and whites together. He then encouraged them to support the national rugby team.
Mandela was a key person in protecting South Africa’s economy. He used the restriction and development plan to create a job, and to bring housing and health care.
He signed a constitution guaranteeing the rights and freedom of expression of minorities.
- His Death
By the year 2013, Mandela, at 95, had passed away. He suffered a lung infection and underwent surgery in 2012. He frequented the hospital many times after for treatment.
His wife and daughter remained by his side after his June 2013 hospitalization. Jacob Zuma, who was the current president, released the statement honoring Mandela’s legacy.
- Movies, Books, and His Legacy
Throughout his life, Mandela published many books. There’s his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. There’s also No Easy Walk to Freedom; Nelson Mandela: The Struggle Is My Life. And you also have the Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales.
The movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2012) took inspiration from his autobiography. July 18 was also declared as Mandela Day to promote global peace. This day also celebrates Nelson Mandela’s lasting legacy.
Getting Professional Help to Check Your Essay
There is more to write about Nelson Mandela, especially when you want to make a good piece about him. If you want professional help, just google “someone to write my essay,” and you will find various paper writing services to help you check your work.
With these services, you can now be confident that you’ve submitted the best essay in class. See what these services offer and improve your output.
Research and Know Your Facts to Produce the Best Essay
There’s nothing better than submitting a good paper about the topic assigned to you. Nelson Mandela, as a topic, is a good start as you can find plenty of resources offline and online.
Always listen to the instructions, and make a good structure for your essay. Well-planned writing with good points and arguments will earn you a high grade.