Nelson Mandela: Obituary

Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95, was the architect of South Africa’s transformation from racial despotism to liberal democracy, saving his country from civil war and becoming its first black president 

1. One of the most inspiring figures of the 20th Century

Former President of South Africa, who guided the country from apartheid to democracy during a life filled with hardship and struggle

Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95, was the architect of South Africa’s transformation from racial despotism to liberal democracy, saving his country from civil war and becoming its first black president


1. One of the most inspiring figures of the 20th Century

Former President of South Africa, who guided the country from apartheid to democracy during a life filled with hardship and struggle

2. Stirring up trouble

Son of a chief of the Thembu clan of the Xhosa people, young Rolihlahla Mandela attends a local Methodist mission school. Here a British teacher, finding his name difficult to pronounce, christens him 'Nelson' after the admiral

Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95, was the architect of South Africa’s transformation from racial despotism to liberal democracy, saving his country from civil war and becoming its first black president

Nelson Mandela: in his own

The most memorable quotations from former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95

On facing the death penalty, Nelson Mandela spoke from the dock at the culmination of the Rivonia Trial in April 1964