Nelson Mandela, The Apartheid Fighter Leaving Prison to Be The President of South Africa Documentary

Summary

Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, was a pivotal figure in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. His early life was influenced by traditional and Western cultures, leading to his involvement with the African National Congress (ANC) and advocacy for black rights. Imprisoned for 27 years, he became a global symbol of resistance. After his release in 1990, Mandela led South Africa to its first democratic elections and served as president, focusing on national reconciliation and social upliftment. Despite challenges, Mandela's legacy as a peace advocate and global statesman endures.

Takeaways

• 🇿🇦 Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in the village of Mzo in Cape Province, South Africa, with a traditional name meaning 'Troublemaker'.
• 👑 He was a descendant of royalty with his father serving as a local chief and counselor to the Thembu king.
• 🏫 Mandela's early life was influenced by both traditional Thembu culture and Western customs, including a Christian upbringing and education at a Methodist missionary school.
• 🎓 He pursued higher education at the University of Fort Hare, studying law, politics, and history, and his views on British influence were initially positive.
• 🔄 Mandela's perspective on British influence changed in the 1940s, leading him to join the African National Congress (ANC) and become deeply involved in the struggle for black South Africans' rights.
• 🤝 His friendship with activist Walter Sisulu was pivotal in shaping his commitment to the fight against apartheid.
• 💪 Mandela embraced more militant approaches and communist thought, advocating for a classless society and rising to prominence within the ANC.
• 🚫 The rise of the National Party in 1948 and the introduction of apartheid policies intensified Mandela's political activism and commitment to change.
• 🔫 Mandela helped establish Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed wing, and was arrested in 1962, leading to a life sentence and imprisonment on Robben Island.
• 🌟 His imprisonment drew international attention and solidified his status as a symbol of resistance against apartheid.
• 🏆 Mandela's release in 1990 marked the beginning of the end for apartheid and led to South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, where he was elected president.
• 🌈 As president, Mandela focused on national reconciliation and promoting a 'rainbow nation' ethos, aiming to bridge divides among South Africans.
• 🏛️ Despite challenges such as crime, economic disparities, and immigration issues among Afrikaners, Mandela's presidency saw a redirection of military spending towards social services and infrastructure.
• 🌐 Mandela remained a global statesman, advocating for peace and justice, and founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
• 🗓️ His later years were marked by declining health, but he continued to be a respected elder statesman, passing away in 2013 at the age of 95.

Q & A

What was Nelson Mandela's original name and its meaning in the Xhosa language?

Nelson Mandela was originally named Rolihlahla, which means 'Troublemaker' in the Xhosa language.

What were the dual influences that shaped Mandela's early life?

Mandela's early life was shaped by the dual influences of traditional Xhosa culture and emerging Western customs, as seen in his Christian upbringing and education at a Methodist missionary school.

How did Mandela's views on British influence change over time?

Initially, Mandela's views on the British influence were somewhat positive due to the social and economic changes it brought. However, his perspective shifted dramatically in the 1940s, especially after moving to Johannesburg and connecting with the African National Congress (ANC).

What was the significance of Mandela's friendship with Walter Sisulu in his political journey?

Mandela's friendship with Walter Sisulu marked the beginning of his deep involvement in the struggle for black South Africans' rights, setting the stage for his later role as a pivotal leader in the fight against apartheid.

What was the primary aim of the ANC Youth League founded in 1944?

The primary aim of the ANC Youth League, founded in 1944, was to rally younger South Africans for the struggle for rights.

How did the apartheid policy introduced by the National Party in 1948 affect black South Africans?

The apartheid policy enforced racial segregation and severely limited the rights of black South Africans, leading to a volatile political landscape and increased activism against the oppressive system.

What was the significance of Mandela's nickname 'the Black Pimpernel'?

The nickname 'the Black Pimpernel' reflected Mandela's dedication and resourcefulness in challenging the oppressive apartheid system through his covert activities and advocacy for change.

Why did Mandela embark on a tour of Africa in 1962?

Mandela embarked on a tour of Africa in 1962 to meet leaders of newly independent nations and secure financial and military support for the ANC's cause against apartheid.

What was the outcome of the Rivonia Trial for Mandela and his associates?

The Rivonia Trial resulted in life sentences for many, including Mandela, due to their involvement in anti-apartheid activities and the establishment of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed wing.

How did Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 impact South Africa's political landscape?

Mandela's release symbolized the beginning of the end for apartheid and led to democratic elections in 1994, where Mandela was elected president, marking a new chapter in South Africa's history.

What were some of the challenges Mandela faced during his presidency?

Challenges during Mandela's presidency included rampant crime, economic disparities, a rapidly growing population, and the task of improving the lives of black South Africans while promoting national reconciliation and a 'rainbow nation' ethos.

Outlines

00:00

👶 Early Life and Political Awakening

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, Cape Province, South Africa. His early life was influenced by traditional Xhosa culture and Western customs, as seen in his Christian upbringing and education at a Methodist missionary school. Mandela's initial positive views on British colonial influence shifted in the 1940s after moving to Johannesburg and joining the African National Congress (ANC). This marked the beginning of his deep involvement in the struggle for black South Africans' rights. Mandela's political activism intensified, leading him to embrace more militant approaches and advocate for a classless society. His first marriage ended in the mid-1950s, and he later married Winnie Mandela, who played a significant role in his life and the broader political struggle.

05:01

🔒 The Struggle Against Apartheid and Imprisonment

Mandela's commitment to fighting apartheid led to his arrest in 1962 and subsequent life imprisonment on Robben Island. His imprisonment became a focal point for global anti-apartheid efforts, with international calls for his release growing louder throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Despite harsh conditions, Mandela's status as a symbol of resistance against apartheid was further solidified. In the late 1980s, economic struggles and international pressure forced the National Party government to initiate talks with Mandela, paving the way towards a democratic transition. Mandela was released in 1990 after 27 years in prison, symbolizing the beginning of the end for apartheid.

🏆 Post-Apartheid South Africa and Mandela's Legacy

Following his release, Mandela played a pivotal role in South Africa's transition to democracy, being elected president in 1994. His presidency focused on national reconciliation and promoting a 'rainbow nation' ethos. Mandela's government redirected military spending towards social services and infrastructure, and international investment flowed in as global markets opened to South African goods. Despite challenges such as crime, economic disparities, and immigration issues among Afrikaners, Mandela's efforts at national reconciliation were evident. He remained active on the global stage, advocating for peace and justice, and founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Mandela passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of enduring struggle and resilience.

Keywords

💡Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. The video script discusses his early life, political activism, imprisonment, and eventual role in dismantling apartheid, illustrating his central role in the video's theme of struggle and triumph for civil rights.

💡Apartheid

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that existed from 1948 until the early 1990s. The term translates to 'apartness' in Afrikaans. In the script, apartheid is depicted as the oppressive policy that Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) fought against, shaping the narrative of the video around the struggle for racial equality and social justice.

💡African National Congress (ANC)

The African National Congress is a political party in South Africa that was formed in 1912 to fight for the rights of black South Africans. In the video, the ANC is highlighted as the organization Mandela joined and through which he became deeply involved in the fight against apartheid, emphasizing its significance in the liberation movement.

💡Robben Island

Robben Island is a small island in Table Bay, South Africa, which was used as a prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, during apartheid. The video discusses Mandela's imprisonment on Robben Island, highlighting the harsh conditions and the significance of the island in the struggle against apartheid.

Highlights

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in Cape Province, South Africa.

Mandela's early life was influenced by both traditional Xhosa culture and Western customs.

Mandela initially had a positive view of British influence due to the social and economic changes it brought.

He pursued higher education at the University of Fort Hare, a leading institution for black Africans.

Mandela's perspective shifted dramatically in the 1940s, leading him to join the African National Congress (ANC).

Mandela played a key role in founding the ANC Youth League in 1944 to rally younger South Africans for the struggle for rights.

The rise of the National Party in 1948 introduced the harsh apartheid policy, severely limiting the rights of black South Africans.

Mandela embraced more militant approaches and communist thought, advocating for a classless society.

Mandela faced charges of high treason in the late 1950s but continued his activism, building support for the ANC.

He helped establish Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed wing, which launched attacks against government targets in 1961.

Mandela's arrest in 1962 and subsequent life imprisonment on Robben Island drew international attention.

During his imprisonment, Mandela became a symbol of resistance against apartheid, with calls for his release growing louder.

Mandela's release in 1990 marked the beginning of the end for apartheid and led to democratic elections in 1994, where he was elected president.

As president, Mandela focused on national reconciliation, promoting a 'rainbow nation' ethos and bridging divides among South Africans.

Mandela's government redirected military spending towards social services and infrastructure, attracting international investment.

Despite challenges, Mandela's efforts at national reconciliation were seen in various symbolic acts, including supporting the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Mandela remained active on the global stage, advocating for peace and justice, and founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999.

Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for freedom and equality.

Transcripts

[Music]

Nelson Mandela born on July 18th 1918 in

the village of mzo in Cape Province

South Africa was originally named riala

meaning Troublemaker in josa he was a

descendant of royalty with his father

gadler Henry Mandela serving as a local

Chief and counselor to the zosa king

Mandela's early life was shaped by the

Dual influences of traditional zosa

culture and emerging Western Customs as

seen in his Christian upbringing and

education at a Methodist missionary

school where he was given the name

Nelson despite the traditional Roots his

family faced the complexities of

colonial rule with his early views on

the British influence being somewhat

positive due to the Social and economic

changes it brought as Mandela Grew Older

he pursued higher education at the

University of Fort hair a leading

Institution for black Africans studying

law politics and history his time at

Fort hair coincided with World War II

and he initially supported South

Africa's involvement as a British

colony however Mandela's perspective

shifted dramatically in the 1940s when

he fled an arranged marriage and moved

to Johannesburg where he connected with

the African National Congress

ANC this encounter particularly his

friendship withc activist Walter cisu

marked the beginning of Mandela's deep

involvement in the struggle for black

South Africans rights setting the stage

for his later role as a pivotal leader

in the fight against apartheid by 1943

Nelson Mandela had joined the African

National Congress ANC inspired by

left-wing activists Like Walter culu he

played a key role in founding thec youth

league in 1944 aiming to Rally younger

South Africans for the struggle for

rights around the same time Mandela

married Evelyn mace a training nurse in

a modest ceremony the couple initially

lived in conditions and had four

children together as their family grew

the political landscape in South Africa

became increasingly volatile with the

national party's rise to power in 1948

introducing the harsh apartheid policy

which enforced racial segregation and

severely limited the rights of black

South Africans during this period

Mandela's involvement in politics

deepened leading him to embrace more

militant approaches and communist

thought he rose within thec because

coming a significant figure in the fight

against apartheid and advocating for a

classless society his first marriage

ended in the mid 1950s and he soon

married Winnie madella who would become

a key figure in his life and the broader

political

struggle despite facing charges of high

treason in the late 1950s Mandela

continued his activism traveling

covertly across South Africa to build

support for thec and prepare for

potential insurrection Direction against

the apartheid regime this clandestine

work earned him the nickname the black

Pimpernel reflecting his dedication and

resourcefulness in challenging the

oppressive system following the treason

trial Nelson Mandela faced a new arrest

warrant marking an era of heightened

militancy within

thec this shift was influenced by the

wave of Independence movements sweeping

across Africa as former colonies gained

freedom from European powers thec seeing

parallels with other African Liberation

struggles sought alliances with groups

in regions like rodesia Angola and mosm

Beek in 1962 Mandela embarked on a tour

of Africa meeting leaders of newly

independent nations and securing

financial and Military Support for the

anc's cause this International

engagement along with the growing

anti-apartheid movement abroad placed

increasing pressure on South Africa's

national party government during this

time a split with in thec became evident

with leaders like Mandela advocating for

armed struggle While others like

President Albert Luli preferred

nonviolent

resistance Mandela helped establish umon

wi sizwe the anc's armed Wing which

launched attacks against government

Targets in 1961 his activities led to

his arrest in 1962 with the aid of the

CIA fearing South Africa's drift towards

Soviet influence Mandela and his

associates would were tried in the ronia

trial resulting in life sentences for

many including

Mandela the trial and subsequent

imprisonment on Robin Island Drew

International attention further

solidifying Mandela's status as a symbol

of resistance against AP partide despite

harsh conditions Mandela's imprisonment

became a focal point for Global

anti-apartheid efforts with calls for

his release growing louder throughout

the 1970s and

1980s Nelson Mand imprisonment continued

at Poore prison which he later described

as harsh comparing it to Oscar Wild's

Ballad of reading gaale during his

six-year stay South Africa faced

economic turmoil and social unrest

leading to Growing opposition against

apartheid the foundation of the United

Democratic front in 1983 United various

groups against the regime while

International attitudes shifted as the

Cold War waned the economic struggles

and International pressure forced the

National Party government led by PW boa

to initiate talks with Mandela and

otherc leaders slowly Paving the way

towards a democratic

transition by the late 1980s the

pressures on the apartheid regime were

immense leading to botha's resignation

and the rise of FW de clerk who began

dismantling apartheid policies Mandela

suffering from tuberculosis was

transferred to Victor Vera prison where

negotiations for his release intensified

following the fall of the Berlin Wall

Del clerk met with Mandela culminating

in Mandela's release on February 11th

1990 after 27 years in prison Mandela's

release symbolized the beginning of the

end for a partide leading to democratic

elections in 1994 where Mandela was

elected president of South Africa

marking a new chapter in the nation's

history crime was rampant in South

Africa post apartheid and many white

africanas fearing economic report rals

immigrated causing a significant wealth

and brain drain the country's

international trade was also struggling

due to long-standing boycotts thec led

by Nelson Mandela faced the daunting

task of improving the lives of black

South Africans Mandela's presidency

focused on National reconciliation

promoting a rainbow Nation ethos and

bridging divides among South Africans

one iconic moment in this effort was the

1995 Rugby World Cup where Mandela

publicly supported the predominantly

white national team symbolizing Unity

Mandela's government redirected military

spending towards social services and

infrastructure and International

Investment flowed in AS Global markets

opened to South African Goods however

challenges remained including a rapidly

growing population and persistent

economic disparities Mandela's efforts

at National reconciliation were seen in

various symbolic acts though tensions

and immigration among africanas

persisted Mandela despite his advancing

age and health issues remained a global

Statesman advocating for peace and

Justice he passed the mantle to younger

ANC leaders ensuring a smooth transition

of Power with tabon Beck taking over ASC

leader in

1997 and preparing to succeed Mandela as

president after stepping down as

president Nelson Mandela remained active

on the global stage leveraging his

status as a respected Elder Statesman

he founded the Nelson Mandela foundation

in

1999 focusing on combating HIV AIDS in

South Africa a cause personal to him as

his son MGO succumbed to the disease in

2005 Mandela also spoke out against the

us-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and

criticized Zimbabwe's Robert mugabi for

refusing to step down amidst corruption

and human rights

abuses additionally Manda Mandela played

a pivotal role in advocating for South

Africa to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup

and helped establish the elders a group

of retired world leaders promoting peace

and human rights Mandela's later years

were marked by declining Health

including treatment for prostate cancer

and respiratory issues limiting his

public appearances he passed away on

December 5th

2013 at the age of 95 after a life

marked by enduring harsh imprisonment

conditions Mandela's death was followed

by a state funeral attended by over 100

world leaders and he was buried in kunu

where he had chosen his final resting

place while South Africa has made

strides in democracy and

industrialization significant challenges

like high crime rates poverty and

Corruption particularly within thec have

hindered the full realization of

Mandela's vision for the nation

[Music]