"Nelson Mandela" (1918 – 2013) South African President anti-apartheid campaigner

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and statesman who served as the country's first black president from 1994 to 1999. Born to a Thembu royal family in 1918, Mandela was educated at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand, where he studied law. He joined the African National Congress in 1944, and was elected president of the ANC's Transvaal branch in 1952. By the early 1960s, his activism had earned him a life sentence in prison, where he remained until his release in 1990.

Upon his release, Mandela immediately began working to dismantle the system of racial segregation, known as apartheid, and usher in a new era of democracy for South Africa. He negotiated with the ruling white minority to establish a new constitution and was elected president in 1994. During his five-year presidency, Mandela worked to improve race relations and to promote economic and social reform. He encouraged the end of sanctions against South Africa and sought to create a new multi-racial society. He also worked to improve access to education and health care, and to combat poverty and crime. Mandela's influence extended beyond South Africa's borders, as he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was given the title of The International Symbol of Freedom by the United Nations in 1997. He was also recognized around the world for his tireless advocacy for peace and justice. Mandela continued to fight for equality and justice until his death in 2013. His legacy lives on in his dedication to human rights and social justice, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of all South Africans. His example of strength and determination in the face of adversity continues to inspire people around the world to stand up for what they believe in and to strive for a better future.