Key dates in Mandela's life
2008-07-15 14:36
Special Report
Now as much as ever, South Africa needs disciplined leaders, Nelson Mandela has said at birthday celebration in Pretoria.
Key dates in the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela:
July 18, 1918: Born into Thembu royal family in Mvezo village in southeast South Africa.
1940: Expelled from Fort Hare University College for participating in student strike.
1941: Moved to Johannesburg, became mine policeman.
1942: Joined African National Congress (ANC).
1944: Married Evelyn Mase, trainee nurse.
1952: Opened first black law practice in Johannesburg with Oliver Tambo.
1956: Among 156 political activists arrested and charged with treason.
1958: Married social worker Nomzamo Zaniewe Winifred "Winnie" Madikizela.
1960: Security forces massacred 67 protesters in Sharpeville. Government banned ANC and Pan African Congress and declared state of emergency.
1961: Acquitted in treason trial, along with co-accused.
Launch of ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation), with Mandela as commander in chief.
1962: Captured and sentenced to five years in prison for incitement to strike and leaving country illegally.
1963: While serving this sentence, charged with sabotage and treason along with other ANC activists arrested in Rivonia near Johannesburg.
June 12, 1964: After famous speech from dock (democracy "is an ideal for which I am prepared to die"), sentenced to life imprisonment, sent to Robben Island prison off Cape Town.
1989: Met president PW Botha and FW de Klerk, who became Botha's successor.
1990: Released from prison February 11.
1991: Elected ANC president.
1992: Separated from Winnie.
1993: Won Nobel peace prize with De Klerk.
1994: First all-race elections. Inaugurated May 10 as president.
1998: Married Graca Machel, widow of Mozambican president Samora Machel.
1999: Handed over presidency to Thabo Mbeki.
2004: Announced his retirement from public life.
2005: Announced that his son Makgatho had died of HIV/Aids.
- AFP