1. Early Involvement in the ANC:
- In 1943, Mandela joined the ANC, a multiracial political organization fighting against racial segregation and discrimination under apartheid.
2. Youth League Activism:
- Within the ANC, Mandela became a prominent figure in the Youth League, which advocated for more radical and militant tactics to challenge the apartheid regime.
3. Defiance Campaign and Treason Trial:
- In 1952, Mandela was part of the Defiance Campaign, a non-violent civil disobedience movement. He was arrested and charged with treason, leading to the infamous Treason Trial, which lasted from 1956 to 1961.
4. Formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK):
- In 1961, Mandela co-founded MK, the armed wing of the ANC, in response to the Sharpeville Massacre and the banning of the ANC and other anti-apartheid organizations.
5. Imprisonment and Leadership from Prison:
- Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life imprisonment on charges related to sabotage and conspiracy. During his 27 years of incarceration, he emerged as a symbol of resistance and a beacon of hope for the anti-apartheid movement.
6. Release from Prison and ANC Leadership:
- Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after international pressure and negotiations between the ANC and the South African government. He assumed leadership of the ANC and continued to advocate for a negotiated end to apartheid.
7. Transition to Democracy and Multiracial Elections:
- Mandela played a pivotal role in negotiating the transition to a democratic South Africa. He led the ANC in negotiations with the apartheid government, resulting in the adoption of a new constitution and multiracial elections.
8. President of South Africa:
- In 1994, Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa in the country's first fully democratic elections. He served as president from 1994 to 1999, focusing on national reconciliation, social justice, and economic development.
9. Post-Presidency and Legacy:
- After his term as president, Mandela remained an active advocate for human rights, peace, and social justice. He established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and continued to work on various initiatives aimed at promoting education, healthcare, and social equality both in South Africa and internationally.
Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela held key leadership positions in the ANC and played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's political landscape and transformation. He exemplified the principles of non-violence, forgiveness, and reconciliation, leaving a lasting legacy as an iconic figure in the global struggle against apartheid and injustice.