Leadership · 1918–2013
Nelson Mandela Life & Career Timeline
Resistance, imprisonment and reconciliation.
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19181932194619601974198820022013
NMNelson MandelaLeadership
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About this timeline
About Nelson Mandela
A lawyer and activist endures 27 years in prison, helps dismantle apartheid and becomes South Africa’s first Black president.
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Nelson Mandela biography
Nelson Mandela timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Mvezo
Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgMoves to Johannesburg
Mandela encountered urban politics, work and a wider anti-apartheid movement.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgANC Youth League
He helped found a new activist generation within the African National Congress.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgDefiance Campaign
Mandela became a leading organiser of mass civil disobedience.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgMandela & Tambo
With Oliver Tambo, he opened a pioneering Black law practice.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgTreason Trial begins
Mandela and other activists faced a long prosecution that ended in acquittal.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgArmed resistance organisation
After peaceful protest was brutally constrained, Mandela helped establish Umkhonto we Sizwe.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgArrested
He was captured after months underground and abroad.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgLife sentence
The Rivonia Trial ended with Mandela and colleagues sentenced to life imprisonment.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgTransferred from prison hospital
International pressure and secret negotiations accelerated.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgWalks free
Mandela left Victor Verster Prison after 27 years in captivity.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgNobel Peace Prize
Mandela and F. W. de Klerk shared the prize for negotiating a democratic transition.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgPresident of South Africa
Mandela became the country’s first democratically elected Black president.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgRugby World Cup reconciliation
His Springbok appearance became a powerful image of national reconciliation.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgPresents the Rugby World Cup trophy
Mandela wore the Springbok captain’s jersey and presented the trophy after South Africa’s victory, a powerful reconciliation image.
Connected: Rugby
Source: www.rugbyworldcup.comLeaves the presidency
Mandela stepped down after one term, reinforcing democratic succession.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgLaunches The Elders
Mandela announced an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice and human rights.
Source: theelders.orgA global legacy
Mandela died at 95 and was remembered around the world.
Source: www.nelsonmandela.orgExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Nelson Mandela or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: South Africa The Good News / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
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About the Nelson Mandela timeline
Who is Nelson Mandela?
A lawyer and activist endures 27 years in prison, helps dismantle apartheid and becomes South Africa’s first Black president.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1918–2013.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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