Question

Why was Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964?

Answer 1

South African anti-apartheid leader and world human rights activist Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 12, 1964, for his political activism by the South African establishment. He was freed from prison only after 27 years during which time he became the face of the anti-apartheid movement.

• Nelson Mandela was born on 18^th July 1918 into a royal family of the Thembu tribe in the village of Mvezo in Cape Province. The tribe spoke the language Xhosa.
• Mandela became the first member of his family to receive formal education when he attended the local missionary school.
• He was given the English name ‘Nelson’ at the school, as was the custom then.
• Nelson Mandela was hailed as a global symbol of reconciliation. He was a master in intergroup communication and negotiation which led to his release, the end of apartheid, and the dawn of democracy in South Africa.
• Nelson Mandela used the country’s love for rugby as a way to unite blacks and whites in the racially divided country.
• He maintained his dignity and humor, even through the bad times of his life, and became a beacon of hope.

Learn more: Nelson Mandela

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