Nelson Mandela passes away

South African inspirational leader Nelson Mandela has passed away after a long battle with illness.

Mandela became his country’s first black president after spending 27 years in jail and is held up as one of the greatest leaders and role models the world has ever seen.

Why was Nelson Mandela important?

White people, who were a small part of the population, were in charge of the country.

It was illegal for black people to use the same schools, hospitals, and even beaches as white people. Conditions in whites-only schools and hospitals were much better.

Black people were also denied basic rights – like being allowed to vote in elections.

But Nelson Mandela believed that everybody should be treated equally, no matter what their race.

Mandela became educated and became a lawyer. He then joined a political party called the African National Congress (ANC) and Mandela played an important role in leading protests against apartheid.

Prison

Sometimes the demonstrations against apartheid  turned violent. In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island for his role in some demonstrations.

While Mandela was in prison photos of him were banned and it was even illegal to quote him in public.

But people from all over the world campaigned for his release and his release became a political issue. .

Freedom

Finally in 1990 the South African President FW de Klerk – a white man – allowed him to go free.

Mandela had spent 27 years in jail and was greeted as a hero on his release.

Mandela is famous for promoting a message of forgiveness and equality.

Apartheid was abolished in 1991, and three years later South Africa held its first elections in which black people, as well as white, were allowed to vote.

Presidency & Peace

Nelson Mandela was elected President and set about trying to bring people of different races together.

In 1993 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – the highest honour of its kind – for his work.

In 1995 South Africa held its first major sports competition, the Rugby World Cup.

Mandela gave his support to the South African team, made up mostly of white men, which helped to unite the country.

He became one of the world’s most popular leaders, with politicians and celebrities queuing up to have their photo taken with him.

Even though Nelson Mandela helped to change South Africa into a fairer place, the country still has lots of problems today, including poverty, violent crime and disease.

But he’ll be remembered around the world for his message of peace and unity.

Article written by  Editor

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