Today in history: Nelson Mandela dies
After his release in 1990, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize, and was elected President in 1994 in South Africa’s first free, democratic elections.
The 5th of December marks the anniversary of the death of South Africa’s former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
He is hailed as the greatest icon of South Africa’s liberation struggle whose vision and respect for human dignity brought hope to a country previously ravaged by injustice and discrimination.
Mandela was charged with and convicted of sabotage and treason, and received a life sentence on Robben Island.
After his release in 1990, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize, and was elected President in 1994 in South Africa’s first free, democratic elections.
He was born in the Mvezo village near Mthatha, Eastern Cape on 18 July 1918 and on 15 December 2013, Mandela was buried in Qunu, also in the Eastern Cape.
Although 4 000 people attended the funeral service, only 450 were allowed to attend the burial service.
Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham were among the celebrities who attended the burial service.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
