Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918, in the small village of Mvezo, in the Transkei area of South Africa. He grew up to be a lawyer and the leader of the ANC (African National Congress) political party. Nelson has become an inspiration to people all over the world who strive for freedom and EQUALITY.
EQUALITY: everyone has the same rights and opportunities, no matter where they come from or what they look like.
He fought against APARTHEID and for equal rights for black South Africans for more than fifty years.
APARTHEID: in South Africa, the racist system of apartheid meant that people were separated because of the colour of their skin.
Nelson Mandela believed that all people should be treated the same, no matter what colour their skin. He was arrested several times by the government for breaking their laws and eventually, in 1964, he received a prison life sentence.
After twenty-seven years in prison, Nelson Mandela was finally set free. After a historic election in 1994, where South Africans of every ETHNIC BACKGROUND could vote for the first time ever, he became the first black South African president.
ETHNIC BACKGROUND: a way of defining someone by the heritage they were born with, their parents and grandparents being considered members of specific national, racial or religious groups. Skin colour is one way many identify with a particular heritage.
Comprehension Questions
1. What country was Nelson Mandela born in?
A. Togo
B. South Africa
C. The United States
A. He stole money from political leaders.
B. He spoke out against the unfair laws in South Africa.
C. He wanted to leave South Africa and live somewhere else.
Your Thoughts
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.