A Nelson Mandela Biography

Prof. Soodyall: [talking to Madiba] "Your ancestry, just studying what you got from your maternal side, would suggest an input from Khoisan ancestry."
Mandela is also descended from the first people of South Africa – the Khoisan. Nelson Mandela [born in Transkei]: "Actually people like Harry the Strandloper whose real name was Outarmiyo (sp) he was one of the first freedom fighters to go to Robben Island. I addressed a meeting of coloured intellectuals in Pretoria when I was President. A retired teacher said 'we know why you are so close to the coloured people, because you are a coloured yourself'”

On this page you'll find images, descriptions and links to some of the best selling books, dvd and videos about Nelson Mandela that are currently available.

Find out how Mandela lived and how he devoted his life to achieving racial equality and democracy in Cape Town and South Africa.

Click on the links below for Books

Mandela: The Authorized Biography

Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Some Background.

Nelson Mandela is one of the most recognised figures on the planet. He became a source of inspiration to the black oppressed people in South Africa in the 1950s during the notorious Apartheid regime and an icon of liberation after his release from prison.

The word apartheid defines a system of racial oppression that is now considered shameful to many white South Africans who benefited from preferential human rights, education and freedom of movement.

Nelson Mandela was instrumental in transforming the early ANC (African National Congress) into a mass organisation representing the oppressed people of South Africa. His involvement in the ANC Youth League resulted in the Programme of Action which was based on the principles of civil disobedience and non-cooperation, Ghandi style.

Mandela: The Authorized Biography The first authorized Nelson Mandela biography. This is a comprehensive examination of the life of Nelson Mandela by his friend, journalist Anthony Sampson. Mandela's dedication to the fight against racial oppression under apartheid, is well researched from personal documents and interviews with leaders who knew him, and his prison warders. From his early political awakening, through family separation.

Mandela's years spent in prison, his ongoing commitment to political reform, and eventual negotiations for his release are described in detail. The book is also an excellent source of reference on the recent history of South Africa.

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The apartheid regime of South Africa was elected by the white minority. Citizens were classified according to race or skin color. Any form of protest was outlawed, opposition movements considered 'communist' were banned and the media was effectively suppressed.

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The Nelson Mandela Biography ..

The ANC was banned in 1960 and Nelson Mandela was arrested and spent time in detention. After his release he went 'underground' to spearhead the efforts for liberation and democratic reform. Realising that the South African government would only respond to their demands by force, Mandela and other leaders began preparing for an armed struggle. They formed a military wing of the ANC known as Umkhonto we Sizwe.

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for 'sabotage' at the Rivonia Trial in 1964. He was incarcerated on Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town where he spent 20 years. During his time on the island Mandela became a symbol for the growing anti-apartheid movement. He continued to promote political awareness and pursue his principles of racial equality and democracy.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela Paperback or HardcoverThis is a best seller and excellent value for those who would prefer Mandela's personal account of his life. He started this book while imprisoned on Robben Island in 1975. It documents his life from tribal upbringing, through experiences in student years and his early interest and involvement in politics, to his transformation of the ANC into a powerful movement fighting for the end of racial oppression under apartheid in South Africa.

The unbalanced system of government in South Africa became more and more controversial as internal unrest mounted and the prospect of economic and political isolation loomed. Gradually, in the face of increasing international opposition and the impending release of Nelson Mandela, the government began dismantling discrimatory laws and easing up on racial oppression.

Nelson Mandela had been moved to Pollsmoor prison in 1984 and to Victor Verster Prison near Paarl in 1988 where he was literally kept under house arrest. After long negotiation the authorities released Mandela in February 1990.

Nelson Mandela was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1993 together with FW de Klerk, the then state president, who had been instrumental in taking steps to bring about his release from prison, unban the ANC, and who had set in motion sweeping policy changes in South Africa.

The first post apartheid democratic election was held in South Africa in May 1994. The ANC was voted into power and Nelson Mandela was elected State President. He retired from office in 1999.

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