Turning points:

Whilst at university Nelson Mandela became increasingly aware of the unjust nature of South African Society.

The majority of Black South Africans had little opportunities either Economic or Political. 

 Resign from the ANC and work underground.

1960 the Sharpeville massacre of 63 black South African.

However by 1962 Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison.

Although negotiations were painfully slow and difficult, they eventually led to Mandela’s release in 1990. It was an emotional moment watched by millions around the globe.

 This was made more difficult by the HIV epidemic, which continues to cause grave problems. (Nelson Mandela recently lost his eldest son to this disease and Mandela has worked hard to campaign on this issue.)

Achivements:

. In 1952 Mandela and Tambo opened the first Black Law firm in South Africa. .

.In 1944 Mandela helped found the ANC Youth League, whose Programme of Action was adopted by the ANC in 1949. Mandela was instrumental in pushing the ANC into more direct action such as the 1952 Defiance Campaign and later acts of sabot

Mandela and several others were charged with treason. Conducting their own defence they eventually proved to be victorious.

However on 10 May 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected State President of South Africa on and was President until June 1.

Since retiring from office Nelson Mandela has continued to be an international figure of great stature. He is one of the few politicians who have gone beyond a political role; he is widely admired and has received many prestigious awards. Nelson Mandelais also associated with many educational programmes and initiatives such as Make Poverty History Campaign.

In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prizejointly with F.W. De Klerk.