Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who became the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Early Life:
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a village in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. He was the son of a local chief and was educated at a mission school. He later attended the University of Fort Hare, where he studied law.

Anti-Apartheid Activism:
Mandela became involved in anti-apartheid activism early in his career. In 1948, the National Party came to power in South Africa, and it instituted a system of apartheid that discriminated against black South Africans. Mandela became a leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and worked to end apartheid through non-violent protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. However, after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police killed 69 protesters, the ANC adopted a more militant stance, and Mandela went underground.

Imprisonment:
In 1962, Mandela was arrested and charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island, where he spent 27 years. While in prison, he became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement and gained international recognition.

Release and Presidency:
In 1990, Mandela was released from prison, and he continued to work towards a non-racial democracy in South Africa. In 1994, he became the first black president of South Africa, and he worked to dismantle the apartheid system and promote reconciliation among South Africans.

Legacy:
Mandela is widely regarded as one of the world's great leaders and is known for his commitment to social justice, democracy, and human rights. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela died on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.