Nelson Mandela is Born

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Xhosa pronunciation: [xoˈliɬaɬa manˈdeːla]; born 18 July 1918 in Transkei, South Africa) is a former President of South Africa, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, who held office from 1994–99. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe.

Nelson Mandela’s original name was Rolihlahla Mandela. (Nelson was added later.) He was born in “Black” Transkei, Africa on July 18, 1918.

Nelson’s peaceful boyhood was spent cattle herding and other rural pursuits. When his father died, Nelson’s rich and powerful relative took custody of him. Nelson Mandela was influenced by his African heritage of ritual and taboo. His values and attitudes were shaped by traditions and his royal privileges.

Nelson Rolihala Mandela was born July 18, 1918 in the village of Qunu, in South Africa. He was born to Gadla Henery Mgadia Mandela,a chief councillor, and Nosekeni Nkedama. Mandela's father became ill and died but before he passed away he told Mandela that he needed to get a good education because of his assumed responsibility to the chief councillor. His mother felt that she was unable to teach him to be a man so she gave him to his father's cousin who was able to teach him to become a great man and a leader of South Africa.