Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa and aspired to become a lawyer to contribute to his people's freedom struggle. He became head of the banned African National Congress in 1952. Imprisoned for sabotage in 1964, Mandela inspired others from his cell. He was released in 1990 and inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994, having rejected offers of freedom if he renounced violence. Mandela retired from public life in 1999, having established a free and democratic South Africa.

1. A Thimble Collectors’ Tribute to NELSON MANDELA

2. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born near Umtata in the Transkei, South Africa, on 18 July 1918. As a young man he aspired to become a lawyer and dreamed of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle of his people. Nelson Mandela age 19 years His birth place

3. Turbulent years lay ahead for Nelson Mandela. He and Oliver Tambo had a law practice in Johannesburg. In 1952 Mandela became head of the banned African National Congress. In 1962 he left South Africa for military training in Algeria and arranged training for other members of the ANC military wing. On his return he was arrested for leaving the country illegally and for incitement to strike. While serving his sentence he was charged, in the Rivonia trial, with sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. Robben Island, where he was imprisoned became a centre for learning and he was the pivotal figure in the organised political education classes. Robben Island

4. In prison Mandela never compromised his political principles and was always a source of strength for others. In the 1970’s and 80’s he rejected the South African Government’s offer of freedom if he renounced violence and his cause.

5. It is significant that shortly after his release in1990 Mandela and his delegation agreed to the suspension of the armed struggle. An English brass thimble with black and white enamel by David Bates – Woodsetton. A limited edition. Nelson Mandela Free 11 th February 1990

6. South African thimble made by A B Ceramics to commemorate the release of Nelson Mandela on 11 February 1990. (Front and back views, wording and the African National Congress colours. Only 200 of these thimbles were made in 1990 )

7. Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State President of South Africa on 10th May 1994 (to June 1999 ) * An English brass thimble made by David Bates – Woodsetton. Limited edition. Nelson Mandela President 10.5.94

8. A South African ceramic thimble made to commemorate the inauguration of President Mandela on 10 May 1994. ( Front and back views. Only 200 of these thimbles were made. )

9. President F W de Klerk and President Nelson Mandela were co-recipients of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate .

10. Nelson Mandela retired from public life in June 1999. His daughter Zinzi says that she grew up without a father, who, when he returned, became a Father of the Nation. Nelson & Graca Mandela

11. Terry & Jenny Bockel at Nelson Mandela Square Sandton, Johannesburg, 2007

12. Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika - God Bless Africa Compiled by Jenny Scharff Bockel Johannesburg, South Africa, October 2007. Thimble Collectors Club of South Africa Not for profit. Purely for the enjoyment and education of thimble and sewing tool collectors everywhere. The photographs of thimbles and pincushion were taken by, and belong to, Jenny & Terry Bockel. The photographs of Mr Mandela were ‘loaned’ from the Internet. [email_address]