turning points and achievements of Nelson Mandela

Achievements

In 1944 Mandela helped found the ANC Youth League, whose Programme of Action was adopted by the ANC in 1949.

10 May 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State President of South Africa on and was President until June 1999. As president, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid.

 His advocacy of reconciliation led to international acclaim and importantly the trust of the White African population.

 In 1952 Mandela and Tambo opened the first Black Law firm in South Africa

Mandela was able to finish his degree and qualified as a Lawyer.

Although negotiations were painfully slow and difficult, they eventually led to Mandela’s release in 1990. It was an emotional moment watched by millions around the globe

In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prizejointly with F.W. De Klerk.

Since retiring from office Nelson Mandela has continued to be an international figure of great stature. He is one of the few politicians who have gone beyond a political role; he is widely admired and has received many prestigious awards. Nelson Mandelais also associated with many educational programmes and initiatives such as Make Poverty History Campaign.

 Turning points

In 1962 Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison.

The majority of Black South Africans had little opportunities either Economic or Political.

By the late 50s the S.A.state had become increasingly repressive making it more difficult for the ANC to operate. Mandela had to resign from the ANC and work underground.

In 1960 the Sharpeville massacre of 63 black South African’s changed the whole political climate. South Africa was increasingly isolated on the international scene and the government banned the ANC. This led Mandela to advocate armed struggle through the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

Nelson Mandela recently lost his eldest son to this disease and Mandela has worked hard to campaign on this issue.