Jul 19, 2008

Nelson Mandela, Happy Birthday!

Great Thinkers Datebook: July 18.

Nelson Mandela turns 90 years old today, July 18, 2008. In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a former President of South Africa. He was the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic elections. Prior his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid leader of the African National Congress. Mandela spent 27 years in prison on convictions while he lead the struggle against apartheid. He became a symbol of freedom and equality, while the apartheid government and other sympathetic nations condemned him as terrorists.

Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990. His policy of reconciliation and negotiation helped lead the transition to democracy in South Africa. Nelson Mandela has been praised worldwide since the end of apartheid, including former opponents.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. His philosophy of non-violence, he has credited to his major source of inspiration, Mahatma Gandhi.