Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa, elected democratically after serving 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism. As the leader of the African National Congress, Mandela worked to end apartheid and establish equal rights for blacks in South Africa through non-violent protest. After retiring from the presidency, Mandela continued his advocacy until apartheid was finally abolished, establishing a unified, democratic nation.

1. Trevor Purcell
S.S. B Work
1-30-09
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is an extremely famous man. I just learned
about him and I think that he has done some pretty
interesting things. There is much to know about what he did
or how he became famous.
Nelson Mandela is the first black president in South
Africa to be fully elected by a democratic election. Before
Mandela’s election he was an anti- apartheid activist and
the leader of the African National Congresses armed wing.
This meant for South Africa that they had a peaceful and
effective leader leading the ANC.
The South African courts charged Mandela of sabotage
as well as other crimes he committed when he was leading the
movement against apartheid. Mandela served 27 years in prison
until F.W. De Klerk freed him. When he was freed, South Africa was
shocked. They had someone to lead the movement against

2. Trevor Purcell
S.S. B Work
1-30-09
apartheid again. Now in South Africa, they have better chance of
getting their rights.
Mandela has received over 100 awards in over four decades.
The most notable award is the Nobel Peace Prize he received in
1993. When he received the peace prize it makes South Africa
seem more peaceful. Mandela did end up bringing peace in South
Africa.
When Mandela’s term of presidency was up he decided not
to run again. He instead retired and was followed by Thabo Mbeki.
When Mandela’s term was over, South Africa thought apartheid
would never get stopped now.
In the end Mandela helped form and make
the ANC or The African National Congress even
better. As a result, with hard work, Mandela and

3. Trevor Purcell
S.S. B Work
1-30-09
the ANC finally put a stop to apartheid. This concludes that blacks
all over South Africa had equal rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_mandela
http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/nelson_mandela-fist_in_air.jpg
http://www.ufh.ac.za/gallery2/images/Nelson%20Mandela%20wearing%20the%20University%20blazer.jpg