Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

• July 18, 1918 - born in Transkei, South Africa


• 1942 - learnt at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand and qualified in law


• 1944 - joined the African National Congress


• 1948 - worked for resistance


• 1956-1961 - went on trial for treason


• 1961 - was acquitted


• 1962 - was arrested
  was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour


• 1963 - went on trial for tried to overthrow the government


• June 12, 1964 - was sentenced to life imprisonment


• 1964-1982 - was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison
• thereafter - at Pollsmoor Prison
• February 11, 1990 - was released


• 1991 - became President of the ANC