Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Introduction

Nelson Mandela is one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Known for his unwavering fight against apartheid, his 27 years of imprisonment, and his role as South Africa’s first black president, Mandela became a global symbol of peace, resilience, and justice. His autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, chronicles a life shaped by hardship, hope, and an unyielding commitment to equality.

Early Life and Childhood

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, was a local chief and a counselor to the royal house of the Thembu people. Mandela was born into the Madiba clan, a subgroup of the Xhosa nation. His father named him Rolihlahla, meaning “pulling the branch of a tree,” or more colloquially, “troublemaker.”

After his father’s death, young Mandela was sent to live with Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu people, who provided him with a privileged education. He attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and later Healdtown, a Methodist school. It was during his time at the University College of Fort Hare that Mandela became politically aware. His expulsion from Fort Hare for participating in a student protest marked the beginning of his lifelong activism.

Political Awakening in Johannesburg

In 1941, Mandela moved to Johannesburg to escape an arranged marriage. There, he worked as a mine security officer and later as a law clerk while completing his legal studies. He soon came into contact with members of the African National Congress (ANC) and began attending political meetings and rallies.

In 1944, along with Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, and others, Mandela co-founded the ANC Youth League, aiming to transform the ANC into a more radical mass movement. The Youth League advocated for nonviolent resistance, strikes, and boycotts to oppose apartheid—a system of racial segregation institutionalized by the ruling white minority.

The Fight Against Apartheid

The 1950s were a period of intense activism and repression. Mandela emerged as a key figure in organizing resistance. In 1952, he helped launch the Defiance Campaign, encouraging black South Africans to peacefully defy unjust apartheid laws. He also co-founded the first black law firm in South Africa, Mandela & Tambo, providing legal services to those affected by racial discrimination.

In 1956, Mandela and 155 others were arrested and tried for treason. After a lengthy trial, all were acquitted in 1961. Despite this legal victory, the government continued to tighten its grip, banning political organizations and suppressing dissent.

From Nonviolence to Armed Struggle

Initially committed to nonviolence, Mandela's strategy changed after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police killed 69 unarmed protesters. The South African government banned the ANC, forcing it to operate underground. Realizing that peaceful protest was no longer sufficient, Mandela co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, in 1961.

Under his leadership, MK carried out sabotage operations targeting government infrastructure while avoiding loss of life. Mandela traveled across Africa and even to London to gather support for the ANC. However, upon his return to South Africa, he was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for inciting strikes and leaving the country illegally.

Rivonia Trial and Life Imprisonment

While in custody, Mandela and others were discovered at Liliesleaf Farm, a secret ANC hideout. Documents linking him to MK led to the famous Rivonia Trial of 1963–64, where Mandela and his comrades were charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.

At the trial’s conclusion, Mandela delivered his now-legendary speech, stating:

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society... It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

On June 12, 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island, a maximum-security prison off the coast of Cape Town.

Years in Prison: Robben Island, Pollsmoor, Victor Verster

Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island, confined to a small cell, performing hard labor, and enduring harsh treatment. Despite the brutality, he remained mentally and politically strong, becoming a symbol of resistance.

Even in prison, Mandela worked to improve conditions for himself and fellow inmates, negotiating with prison authorities and continuing to study law. In 1982, he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison, and later to Victor Verster Prison, where conditions were less severe. During these later years, Mandela began secret negotiations with the apartheid government.

International Support and Growing Pressure

By the 1980s, international pressure against apartheid intensified. The Free Mandela campaign gained global momentum, and economic sanctions, cultural boycotts, and diplomatic pressure began to isolate the South African regime.

Mandela’s name became synonymous with the anti-apartheid struggle. Though still behind bars, he was a towering presence on the global stage. British musicians performed “Free Nelson Mandela,” American universities divested from South African companies, and the United Nations passed resolutions condemning apartheid.

Release and Transition to Democracy

On February 11, 1990, after years of negotiation and growing pressure, Nelson Mandela was released from prison at age 71. He walked out of Victor Verster Prison with a calm determination, holding the hand of his then-wife, Winnie Mandela.

Soon after his release, Mandela took over as president of the ANC and began working with President F.W. de Klerk to dismantle apartheid peacefully. The two leaders were awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to bring about a democratic South Africa.

Despite tensions, violence, and political assassination attempts, Mandela remained committed to reconciliation. He preached unity between blacks and whites, urging forgiveness over vengeance.

Becoming President: A New South Africa

In South Africa’s first multiracial democratic elections, held on April 27, 1994, the ANC won a decisive victory. Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the country’s first black president on May 10, 1994.

His presidency focused on nation-building, racial reconciliation, and establishing democratic institutions. One of his landmark achievements was the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to investigate human rights abuses committed during apartheid.

Mandela also prioritized housing, healthcare, education, and rural development. Although the country faced immense social and economic challenges, his leadership brought moral authority and a renewed national identity.

Personal Life

Mandela’s personal life was marked by both love and hardship. He married three times: first to Evelyn Mase (1944–1958), then to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1958–1996), a fierce activist in her own right. Their marriage suffered under political strain and long separation. In 1998, on his 80th birthday, Mandela married Graça Machel, the widow of Mozambican president Samora Machel.

He had six children, though some of his family relationships were complicated by long absences, political duties, and personal loss.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

Mandela served only one term as president, stepping down in 1999. He continued his advocacy through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, focusing on health (especially HIV/AIDS awareness), education, and peace-building. He also campaigned against poverty and inequality around the world.

He remained a beloved figure globally, often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, a term of deep respect and affection.

Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. His death was met with mourning and celebration across the globe, with world leaders and citizens alike paying tribute to his enduring legacy.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography

Published in 1994, Long Walk to Freedom is Mandela’s candid and powerful account of his life. It covers his childhood, his political awakening, his years in prison, and his eventual rise to the presidency. The book reveals not only Mandela’s ideals and beliefs, but also his personal doubts, struggles, and sacrifices.

A key theme of the autobiography is the humanization of a political icon—showing that Mandela was not a saint, but a man who made difficult choices and paid a high price for his principles. His honesty, humility, and willingness to forgive underscore the message that freedom is both a personal and collective journey.

Legacy and Impact

Nelson Mandela’s legacy is immense:

Moral Leadership: He showed the world that power could be exercised with compassion and integrity.

Peaceful Transition: He prevented civil war and led one of history’s most remarkable peaceful transitions from oppression to democracy.

Global Icon: Mandela remains a symbol of freedom, resistance, and reconciliation. Statues, schools, and awards bear his name in countries across every continent.

Inspiration: He inspired movements for justice, from Black Lives Matter to student protests, demonstrating that one person can indeed change the world.

Mandela’s legacy is enshrined in his words:

“I have walked that long road to freedom... I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

Conclusion

Nelson Mandela’s life was a long, painful, and ultimately triumphant journey toward justice. His story reminds us that freedom is never free—it must be fought for, protected, and renewed with each generation. Through courage, forgiveness, and moral clarity, Mandela transformed not only South Africa but the conscience of the world. Long Walk to Freedom is more than his story—it is a blueprint for human dignity.