Kolkata, : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday paid
homage to Nelson Mandela, statesman and anti-apartheid activist, on his 101st birth
anniversary
“Homage to Nelson Mandela, statesman and anti-apartheid activist, on his 101st
birth anniversary,” Ms Banerjee tweeted.
Born on this day in 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, was a South African
anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as
President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully
representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the
legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial
reconciliation.
Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as President of the
African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.
Mandela served 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor
Prison, and Victor Verster Prison. Amid growing domestic and international
pressure, and with fears of a racial civil war, President F. W. de Klerk released
him in 1990.
Mandela and de Klerk led efforts to negotiate an end to apartheid, which
resulted in the 1994 multiracial general election in which Mandela led the ANC
to victory and became president.
He declined a second presidential term, and in 1999 was succeeded by his
deputy, Thabo Mbeki. Mandela became an elder statesman and focused on
combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the charitable Nelson Mandela
Foundation.
Mandela received more than 250 honours—including the Nobel Peace Prize
—and became the subject of a cult of personality. He is held in deep respect
within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name,
Madiba, and described as the “Father of the Nation”.
After suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection, Mandela died on
December 5, 2013.
UNI.
