Nelson Mandela Day in South Africa

Nelson Mandela was a former President of South Africa who served from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black President in South Africa who was elected in an entirely democratic election. His complete name is Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who was most known for being one of the anti-apartheid activists in the country. He was imprisoned for 27 years resulting from his political activities. He was trying to get rid of apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was the policy and segregation system placed in South Africa which enforced racial discrimination and inequality against nonwhites in the country. He was accused of overthrowing the government. On year 1990 in the month of February, De Klerk (who served as State President of South Africa at the time) ordered the release of Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela is popular for his legacy in helping to end the country’s apartheid system and his contribution in shaping the country’s racial equality. He helped end the discrimination and inequality against nonwhites in political and economic aspects in the country. He was the first black president of South Africa. Mandela is popularly referred to as Madiba (Mandela’s clan name) and is often described as the “Father of the Nation”. Currently, Mandela Day is celebrated worldwide, and most people take this day to do certain acts of kindness. Although it is not an official public holiday in South Africa, Mandela Day is celebrated internationally following UN’s declaration for Nelson Mandela International Day every 18th of July.