Nelson Mandela: Father of a nation.

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” 

                                                                                                              - Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, Umtata, a little town along the Mbashe river in South Africa. Also known as "Madiba" -an honorific nickname taken from the tribe which he belongs-, he is considerated the father of his natal country because his fight against the system instaured by the National Party of South Africa: Apartheid.

In Afrikaans, Apartheid means "separateness", and it was a system of racial segregation which separates black South-Africans (who had restricted rights) from whites (who ruled the power). This laws determinates where and how black population can live, the places they can go, where thay can study and work, the hospitals they can use, etc. 



Mandela joined the African National Congress, a movement which struggled against the racial segregation and discrimination of black people in South Africa. Years later, he became one of the leaders of  Youth League, a branch of ANC which support the idea of a non-violent struggle. 

Mandela promoted a campaign of civil disobedience against racist laws, which generated the arrest of many black people, including himself, who was accused of high treason and condemned to life imprisonment. 

Despite the efforts of the people to claim Mandela's liberation, the government of  South Africa doesn't give in, until 1990 when the (in that time) President of the Nation, Frederik de Klerk, command his liberation after 27 years of confinement in horrible conditions. 

In 1993, Nelson Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize because his struggle against the racial segregation in South Africa, and he shared this award with de Klerk. 

In 1994, Mandela becomes the first black President of South Africa, elected in a election in which everyone can vote regardless of their skin colour or social status.

Nowadays, Nelson Mandela is recognised around the world as the icon of anti-apartheid, and for South Africans he represents the freedom of their people. Also, his birthday is considerated a national (or worldwide, maybe) celebration.