Global

Leader
The
Nelson
Mandela
BIOGRAPHY
Nelson Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, in South Africa,
emerged as a prominent anti-apartheid revolutionary and
political leader. He became the country's first Black head of
state, serving as President from 1994 to 1999, after decades of
activism and imprisonment.

Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in

1943, advocating for nonviolent resistance against apartheid.
His efforts escalated in the 1950s as the government
intensified segregation policies. In 1961, he co-founded
Umkhonto we Sizwe ("Spear of the Nation"), an armed wing
of the ANC, leading to his arrest and subsequent
imprisonment in 1962.

Sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and other charges,

Mandela spent 27 years incarcerated, becoming a global
symbol of resistance to apartheid. During his imprisonment,
he continued to advocate for human rights and equality.

As international pressure mounted, Mandela was released in

1990, and he engaged in negotiations with then-President F.W.
de Klerk to dismantle apartheid and establish multiracial
elections. In 1994, these efforts culminated in South Africa's
first democratic elections, where Mandela was elected
President. He worked to heal a divided nation, focusing on
reconciliation and dismantling institutionalized racism.

After his presidency, Mandela remained an advocate for social

justice, focusing on issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and
education. He passed away on December 5, 2013, leaving
behind a legacy of resilience, forgiveness, and dedication to
human rights that continues to inspire people worldwide.

Early Life And Education Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was born on the 18th July 1918 in the village
of Mvezo, which is located in an area of South Africa called
Transkei. His father’s name was Henry, and his mother was
called Nosekeni Fanny.
As a youngster, little Nelson was actually called Rolihlahla –
it wasn’t until he was seven that a teacher at school gave him
the name ‘Nelson’, and it stuck!
Nelson was born into royalty! His father, Henry, was chief of
a tribe in South Africa called the Tembu, and his great

grandfather was the tribe’s king! But sadly, Nelson was just
twelve years old when his father died.
Nelson studied hard at school and later attended the
University of Fort Hare, the South African Native College. He
then moved to the city of Johannesburg to study law at the
University of the Witwatersrand, before qualifying as a lawyer
in 1942, aged 24.
Inequality in South Africa
South Africa is home to many different peoples and cultures –
so much so that it’s been nicknamed the ‘rainbow nation’.
But, sadly, at the time that Nelson Mandela was growing up,
there was a huge racial divide in the country.
White people ran the country, and they generally led
privileged lives with good jobs, nice homes and access to
good schools and healthcare. Most black people, however,
worked in low-paid jobs, and lived in poor communities with
poor facilities. They had far fewer rights, too – they weren’t
even allowed to vote in elections!
Like many others, Nelson Mandela felt that everyone
deserved to be treated the same, regardless of their skin
colour. So, in 1944, he joined the African National Congress
(ANC) – a political group that strived for equal rights for
whites and blacks.
In 1948 the South African government introduced a system
called ‘apartheid’, which furthered the country’s racial divide
even more. Under new racist laws, black people and white
people were forced to lead separate lives. They weren’t
allowed to live in the same areas, share a table in a restaurant,
attend the same schools or even sit together on a train or bus!

What did Nelson Mandela do?

Nelson Mandela became an important figure in the ANC, and
he helped set up and lead a section for young people called the
ANC Youth League. He later travelled the country to gain
support for non-violent protests against the National Party’s
racist laws, too.
This activism made him very unpopular with the authorities,
and Nelson was arrested for treason – the crime of betraying
your country’s government – several times.
While Nelson was under arrest in the late 1950s, the
government banned anti-apartheid groups such as the ANC.
But that didn’t stop Nelson and his fellow activists – in fact,
they felt more had to be done to bring about change.
So, even though they preferred using peaceful protests in their
struggle for equality, in 1961 Nelson and other ANC leaders
formed a secret military group called Umkhonto we Sizwe, or
Spear of the Nation.
Why did Nelson Mandela go to prison?
Nelson knew he would be in big trouble if the authorities
found out about the secret army and their plans, and so he
kept a very low profile. He lived in hiding – and even dressed
in disguise! But in August 1962, he was arrested on his return
from a trip to Algeria in Northern Africa, and sentenced to
five years in prison. From there, things only got worse for
Nelson…
In 1963, the police raided a farm near the city of
Johannesburg and found documents belonging to the secret
army, as well as weapons. The result? Nelson and seven other
men were charged for plotting to overthrow the government
and given life sentences. Nelson would spend the next 27
years behind bars…
Throughout his time behind bars, Nelson Mandela didn’t give
up on what he believed in. He even refused freedom on two
occasions, and instead chose to stand by his principles. He
used his time to learn new things, including Afrikaans – a
language of South Africa spoken mostly by white people –
which earned him respect from the guards he spoke to.
When was Nelson Mandela freed from prison?
Over time, Nelson Mandela became a famous prisoner, and
there were calls all around the world to ‘Free Nelson
Mandela!’. For decades, countries around the world had put
pressure on South Africa to end apartheid, but now the anti-
apartheid movement had more support than ever.
Change for the better finally came in 1989. The president of
South Africa, FW de Klerk, met with Nelson Mandela and in
1990 set him free!
In 1991, Nelson became President of the ANC and worked
with FW de Klerk to bring an end to apartheid in a
harmonious way, and introduce equal rights for everyone.
Their work towards making South Africa a more peaceful
place won the pair the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Come the 1994 general election, all races in South Africa
were allowed to vote. Nelson’s hard work finally paid off –
the ANC won, and Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s
first black president
As President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela improved the
living standards and facilities of South Africa’s black
population, who had suffered for decades under apartheid. He
also worked hard to make South Africa a country of equality,
where people of all race and colour could live together in
peace.
In 1999, Nelson Mandela retired as President and his
successor was called Mbeki. But whilst he left politics behind,
he continued to be an important figure around the world as a
symbol of peace and equality. The same year that he retired,
he founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation, an organisation
that works to this day to promote the principals of equality,
freedom and peace.

When did Nelson Mandela die?

From 2004, he lived a quiet life with his wife Graça.
Following a lung infection, Nelson Mandela sadly died in
December 2013, aged 95 years old.
How is Nelson Mandela remembered?
Nelson Mandela’s spirit and values are still very much alive to
this day, and he will forever be remembered. He wrote a book
called “Long Walk to Freedom”, where people can read about
the struggles he faced in his battle against discrimination and
fight for equality. In 2009, Nelson’s birthday, 18 July, was
officially named ‘Nelson Mandela Day’. Every year on this
day, people around the world honour his legacy by helping
their communities and making the world a better place.
Lesson From Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela has left us a legacy of forgiveness,
reconciliation and his pledge for freedom for everybody, no
matter their race or colour. He will always be an inspiration to
the world. In the long and cruel battle to achieve this, he has
taught us some invaluable life lessons.
1.Never abandon hope or give up
“The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom
until the end of my days.” – Nelson Mandela
Defining your goal and your objectives are essential to
winning the race. Facing setbacks and failure is the most
difficult part, but never give up.
2. Learn the art of compromise
“You mustn’t compromise your principles, but you mustn’t
humiliate the opposition. No one is more dangerous than one
who is humiliated.” – Nelson Mandela
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to
work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” –
Nelson Mandela
3. Violence is not the answer
“We can’t win a war, but we can win an election.” – Nelson
Mandela
Reconciliation and negotiation were far more effective and
powerful weapons and that should never be forgotten. Madiba
had the intelligence not to let the past of bitterness and
resentment restrict him. Four years of tough negotiations with
President de Klerk were rewarded with success and the joint
Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
4. Don’t be put off by difficulties
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson
Mandela
That quote by Madiba reflects that although lives are marked
by illness, tragedy, misfortune and pain, people should never
get discouraged. Those negative experiences can teach more
than anything else. And they can teach that you have to
remain faithful to your values and ethics. Mandela wanted
freedom from apartheid, and while he changed strategy, he
never changed that one principle.
5. Learn how to forgive
“If there are dreams of a beautiful South Africa, there are also
roads that lead to that goal. Two of these roads could be
named Goodness and Forgiveness.” – Nelson Mandela

Why do you think that Nelson Mandela decided to learn

Afrikaans, the language of his oppressors, while in prison?
That was the first move in forgiveness.
When you have been hurt, it is only right to feel self-pity. That
feeling may be followed by anger and rage and you should let
it all out in a safe, private way. If you never learn to forgive,
you will always feel bad. Even if the person who hurt you is
dead, negative emotions ruin your life. Time to draw a line
under it, and once you forgive, you immediately start to feel
better.

6. How kind are you?

“I believe that in the end that it is kindness and
accommodation that are all the catalysts for real change.” –
Nelson Mandela

7. Bond by sharing experience

“I dream of Africa which is at peace with itself.” – Nelson
Mandela
shared experiences will help understanding, commonality and
reinforce relationships.

8. Fight discrimination
“I detest racialism because I regard it as a barbaric thing,
whether it comes from a black man or a white man.” – Nelson
Mandela

9. Draw a line under your past

“We don’t have to be victims of our past, that we can let go of
our bitterness, and that all of us can achieve greatness.” –
Nelson Mandela
Mandela had every reason to become bitter and twisted and to
continue with aggression and confrontation. He was
intelligent enough to realize that closure was essential and the
new path towards peace and reconciliation was the only way.

LEADERSHIP STYLE OF NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela’s leadership style was all about taking care of

those in his charge. As a leader, he embodied the spirit of
servant leadership, putting the needs of his people before his
own.
Nelson Mandela’s Leadership Style

Visionary: Mandela had a clear vision of a united and

democratic South Africa, and he worked tirelessly to bring
that vision to life. Lead with a clear vision A clear and
compelling vision can inspire and motivate people to work
towards a common goal.
Inclusive: Mandela believed in bringing people together,
regardless of their race, ethnicity, or political beliefs. He was a
master at building coalitions and promoting unity. Embrace
diversity and bring people together, regardless of their
differences. Building strong relationships based on trust is key
to effective leadership.
Compassionate: A leader who cares deeply about the well-
being of their people can earn their loyalty and trust.
Mandela’s approach to leadership was grounded in empathy
and compassion. He cared deeply about the well-being of his
people and was willing to make personal sacrifices to improve
their lives.
resilient: Persistence and perseverance in the face of
obstacles are key to achieving success. Mandela faced
numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life,
including imprisonment, but he remained steadfast in his
commitment to justice and equality.
Work collaboratively: No one person can achieve great
things alone. Collaboration and teamwork are essential to
achieving shared goals. Mandela believed in working
collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. He
understood that no one person could change the world alone
His commitment to justice and equality, and his unwavering
belief in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, made
him a true icon of leadership.
Leadership theory

No modern leader has left a greater impression on me than

Nelson Mandela. When faced by adversity, he showed the
courage, wisdom and compassion of a great leader. We saw
these leadership qualities in his unswerving commitment to
what he believed in, his generosity of heart, and his healing of
a country divided by decades of racial segregation and hatred.

Trait Leadership Theory

Nelson Mandela was born of aristocratic heritage. His great-
grandfather was king of the Thembu people, while his father
was a local chief and councillor to the monarch. Mandela
would later claim that “none of us is born courageous; it is all
in how we react to different situations.” As he was not born
with a leader’s courage or determination, it can be inferred
that these traits were learned.
Behavioural Theory
Behavioural Theory attributes Mandela’s leadership traits to
social and cultural conditioning, and not to genetic
inheritance.
The concept of ubuntu was a key influence on the young
Mandela. Ubuntu encompasses the idea that “people are
empowered by other people, and that we become our best
selves through unselfish interaction with others”. Traditional
values taught Mandela how to listen with an open mind, to
consider multiple perspectives, and to build consensus for an
idea or decision.
In later life, these skills would define Mandela’s democratic
style of leadership. By including others in the decision-
making process, he increased their commitment to the
decision and the follow up actions to bring those decisions to
reality.

Contingency Leadership Theory

In 1948, the Afrikaner-dominated National Party (NP)
adopted apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial
segregation, as formal government policy.
Contingency Leadership Theory explains how leaders are
shaped by their environment.
Apartheid strengthened Mandela’s resolve to fight against
apartheid and white minority rule. Together with his
followers, he began a campaign of boycotts and strikes. His
public appearances and growing influence within the African
National Congress (ANC) soon attracted the attention of the
authorities.
In 1962, he was arrested and charged with sabotage and
conspiracy to overthrow the government.

Charismatic Leadership Theory

At his trial in 1964, Mandela laid out his vision for “a
democratic and free society in which all persons live together
in harmony and with equal opportunities”.
Charismatic Leadership Theory puts emphasis on the leader’s
ability to communicate a compelling vision to their followers.
The charismatic leader often arises in periods of change and
uncertainty. Their vision and strongly held convictions show
their followers the way to achieving common goals.
Like most charismatic leaders, Mandela was a skilled
communicator. His final testimony was admirable for its
courage and determination. In closing, he described his vision
as “an ideal for which I am prepared to die”.

Transformational Leadership Theory

Shortly after his release from prison in 1990, Mandela began
negotiations with the NP. The success of these negotiations
led to the general elections of 1994 and to Mandela becoming
President of South Africa later that year.
Transformational Leadership Theory highlights the
importance of self-awareness and humility. These qualities
enable the leader to build trust and to strengthen their
relationship with followers.
Although uncompromising on the principles of equal rights
and universal democracy, Mandela was flexible on most other
matters. His willingness to consider other points of view while
keeping a clear focus on the common goal was key to his
effectiveness as a leader.
By enabling South Africans to transcend their own self-
interests, to become their best selves, he united a fractured
nation and guided its peaceful transition to a multicultural
democracy.
While the other leadership theories yield valuable insight into
Mandela’s approach to leadership, it is Transformational
Leadership Theory that best captures the traits, behaviours,
and style of his extraordinary leadership.