AC360 411: Remembering Nelson Mandela

Editor’s Note: We’ll look back at the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela tonight on AC360° at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president who led the nation out of apartheid, has died at the age of 95. The announcement came in a late-night address to the nation by current President Jacob Zuma. “Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” said Zuma. “We saw in him what we seek in ourselves,” he added. Zuma ordered all flags in the nation to fly at half-staff through Mandela’s state funeral.  In recent months, Mandela battled a recurring lung infection that led to several hospitalizations.  Here’s the AC360 411 on Nelson Mandela:

27 

The number of years Mandela endured in prison from 1963 to 1990.

1993

The year Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize with his former enemy, the apartheid leader F.W. de Klerk.

1994 to 1999

The years Mandela served as South Africa’s first black president, four years after he was freed from prison.

1918

The year Mandela was born in Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa.

3

The number of names he had over the years. His birth name was Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela. However, he was also called Madiba, his traditional clan name.  And he was given the name Nelson by a school teacher.

1944

Mandela joins the African National Congress and helps create the ANC Youth League.

1952

Mandela opens the first black law partnership in South Africa.

December 5, 1956

57 years ago today, Mandela was among 156 resistance leaders arrested and charged with high treason.

March 21, 1960
69 people peacefully protesting apartheid laws are killed by police in what became known as the Sharpeville massacre.

April 8, 1960

The apartheid regime bans the ANC.

March 29, 1961

Mandela and all co-defendants are found not guilty of treason.

June 1961

Mandela begins organizing the armed struggle against apartheid. He travels in Africa and Europe studying guerrilla warfare.

August 5, 1962

Mandela was arrested on charges of inciting workers to strike and leaving the country without valid travel documents. Mandela represents himself at trial.

November 7, 1962

Mandela is sentenced to five years hard labor.

May 27, 1963

Mandela arrives on Robben Island as a prisoner for the first time.

June 12, 1964

Mandela is sentenced to life in prison linked to four counts of sabotage.

18 

The number of years Mandela spent in a prison on Robben Island, off Cape Town.

1982

Mandela is transferred to Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison.

1988

Mandela is transferred to Victor Verster Prison.

1989

F.W. de Klerk becomes president of South Africa and begins dismantling apartheid.

December 13, 1989

Mandela and de Klerk meet for the first time.

February 11, 1990

Nelson Mandela is released from prison at the age of 71.

3

The number of times Nelson Mandela was married.

6

The number of children Mandela fathered. Only three, his daughters, are alive.

1994

The year his autobiography the “Long Walk to Freedom” is published.

2010

Mandela last appeared in public during the World Cup hosted by South Africa.