Chronology of Nelson Mandela's Life
18 July 1918
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela born in Mvezo, South Africa
1944
Joins the African National Congress (ANC)
1944
Founds the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) with others
1948
Elected as National Secretary of the ANCYL
1952
Launch of the “Defiance” Campaign, a massive civil disobedience campaign against unjust laws.
Mandela is elected National Volunteer-in-Chief for the campaign
1956 to 1961
Mandela one of 156 accused in the Treason Trial
21 March 1960
Sharpeville massacre, during which 69 men, women and children are killed and about 200 wounded.
The government soon declares a state of emergency and arrests about 18,000 protesters. The ANC is banned and Mandela goes underground
1961
Formation of the ANC’s armed movement, Umkhonto we Sizwe (“Spear of the Nation”), with Mandela as commander-in-chief
1962
Mandela travels to other parts of Africa and Europe
5 August 1962
Mandela arrested for illegal exit from the country and incitement to strike. He is convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment
July 1963
Arrest of prominent ANC leaders at Rivonia. Mandela is accused with them
12 June 1964
Sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island (later moved to Pollsmoor Prison and then Victor Verster Prison)
1985
Amidst prolonged mass protests against the apartheid system, the ANC initiates talks with the regime
February 1990
Released from prison
1993
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (along with F.W. de Klerk)
27 April 1994
First multi-racial elections held in South Africa with full enfranchisement, with the ANC winning a strong majority
10 May 1994
Inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, standing down in 1999 after one term
5 December 2013
Nelson Mandela passed away in Johannesburg at the age of 95