Turning Points:

- Whilst at university Nelson Mandela became increasingly aware of the unjust nature of South African Society.The majority of Black South Africans had little opportunities either Economic or Political.  


- By the late 50s the S.A.state had become increasingly repressive making it more difficult for the ANC to operate.Mandela had to resign from the ANC and work underground

- However in 1960 the Sharpeville massacre of 63 black South African’s changed the whole political climate.

- South Africa was increasingly isolated on the international scene and the government banned the ANC. This led Mandela to advocate armed struggle through the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).


- However by 1962 Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison. Life at the prison was tough and uncompromising.


- eventually led to Mandela’s release in 1990.

-  lost his eldest son to this disease and Mandela has worked hard to campaign on this issue.)


Achievements:



- finish his degree and qualified as a Lawyer.

-  opened the first Black Law firm in South Africa.

- In Treason Trial Mandela and several other  conducting their own defence they eventually proved to be victorious.

- the first democratically elected State President of South Africa on and was President until June 1999. 


-  received many prestigious awards.


- was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize