Nelson Mandela, full name Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, was a prominent South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, then part of South Africa’s Cape Province.
Mandela dedicated his life to fighting against the apartheid regime in South Africa, which enforced institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1940s and became a key figure in the struggle for equality and justice.
In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities. He spent 27 years in prison, during which he became a symbol of resistance against oppression. Mandela’s release in 1990 marked a turning point in South Africa’s history, leading to negotiations that ultimately ended apartheid.
After his release, Mandela played a crucial role in the peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. In 1994, he became the country’s first black President in the first fully representative democratic election. As President, Mandela focused on reconciliation and healing the wounds of apartheid, advocating for national unity and social justice.
Mandela’s leadership and commitment to forgiveness earned him international acclaim and admiration. He received numerous honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, for his efforts to dismantle apartheid peacefully and establish a democratic society in South Africa.
Beyond politics, Mandela was a humanitarian and global statesman, known for his advocacy of human rights, equality, and social justice. He established the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote peace, education, and healthcare in South Africa and across the world.
Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, but his legacy continues to inspire people worldwide. He is remembered as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the triumph of peace and reconciliation over adversity. Mandela’s life exemplifies the power of perseverance and the pursuit of justice in the face of injustice.
In which year was Nelson Mandela born?
A) 1917
B) 1918
C) 1919
D) 1920
Correct Answer: B) 1918
Nelson Mandela was a prominent leader in the fight against which discriminatory policy in South Africa?
A) Apartheid
B) Segregation
C) Colonization
D) Jim Crow Laws
Correct Answer: A) Apartheid
Which political party did Nelson Mandela lead in the struggle against apartheid?
A) African National Congress (ANC)
B) National Party
C) Pan Africanist Congress (PAC)
D) United Democratic Movement (UDM)
Correct Answer: A) African National Congress (ANC)
How many years did Nelson Mandela spend in prison?
A) 15 years
B) 20 years
C) 27 years
D) 30 years
Correct Answer: C) 27 years
Which prison was Nelson Mandela held at for the majority of his sentence?
A) Robben Island
B) Pollsmoor Prison
C) Pretoria Central Prison
D) Victor Verster Prison
Correct Answer: A) Robben Island
What was the name of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography?
A) “Long Walk to Freedom”
B) “Apartheid and Beyond”
C) “Freedom Fighter”
D) “The Struggle Continues”
Correct Answer: A) “Long Walk to Freedom”
Who was Nelson Mandela’s successor as President of South Africa?
A) Thabo Mbeki
B) Jacob Zuma
C) Cyril Ramaphosa
D) F.W. de Klerk
Correct Answer: A) Thabo Mbeki
In which year did Nelson Mandela become the first black President of South Africa?
A) 1989
B) 1990
C) 1994
D) 1997
Correct Answer: C) 1994
What was the name of the political philosophy advocated by Nelson Mandela, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness?
A) Pan-Africanism
B) Ubuntu
C) Black Consciousness
D) Non-Aligned Movement
Correct Answer: B) Ubuntu
Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in which year?
A) 1989
B) 1990
C) 1993
D) 1994
Correct Answer: C) 1993
Which iconic event marked Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990?
A) Soweto Uprising
B) Sharpeville Massacre
C) Rivonia Trial
D) Long March to Freedom
Correct Answer: D) Long March to Freedom
What was the name of the policy introduced by Nelson Mandela to address the inequalities of apartheid?
A) Truth and Reconciliation Commission
B) Economic Transformation Plan
C) Racial Equality Initiative
D) Rainbow Nation Strategy
Correct Answer: A) Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Which city hosted the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup, famously supported by Nelson Mandela?
A) Cape Town
B) Johannesburg
C) Durban
D) Pretoria
Correct Answer: B) Johannesburg
What was the nickname given to Nelson Mandela by his clan name?
A) Khulu
B) Madiba
C) Tata
D) Mkhulu
Correct Answer: B) Madiba
Nelson Mandela served as President of the ANC from which year to which year?
A) 1948-1956
B) 1956-1964
C) 1964-1982
D) 1991-1997
Correct Answer: D) 1991-1997
Which iconic speech did Nelson Mandela deliver during his trial in 1964, known for its defiance against apartheid?
A) “I Have a Dream”
B) “Freedom Charter”
C) “Rivonia Trial Speech”
D) “An Ideal for Which I Am Prepared to Die”
Correct Answer: D) “An Ideal for Which I Am Prepared to Die”
Nelson Mandela was married to which humanitarian and political activist?
A) Winnie Mandela
B) Graca Machel
C) Albertina Sisulu
D) Adelaide Tambo
Correct Answer: A) Winnie Mandela
Which university awarded Nelson Mandela an honorary degree while he was in prison?
A) Harvard University
B) University of Oxford
C) University of Cape Town
D) University of Fort Hare
Correct Answer: A) Harvard University
What was the name of the armed wing of the ANC that Nelson Mandela co-founded?
A) Umkhonto we Sizwe
B) Black Panther Party
C) Azanian People’s Liberation Army
D) African Liberation Army
Correct Answer: A) Umkhonto we Sizwe
Which global campaign against HIV/AIDS did Nelson Mandela launch in 2003?
A) PEPFAR
B) Red Cross
C) UNICEF
D) 46664
Correct Answer: D) 46664
What was the name of the primary school established by Nelson Mandela in 1994?
A) Mandela University
B) Soweto School of Hope
C) Nelson Mandela School of Excellence
D) Nelson Mandela Foundation
Correct Answer: C) Nelson Mandela School of Excellence
Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and childhood village is located in which province of South Africa?
A) Gauteng
B) KwaZulu-Natal
C) Eastern Cape
D) Limpopo
Correct Answer: C) Eastern Cape
Which international sporting event did South Africa host under Nelson Mandela’s presidency in 1995?
A) FIFA World Cup
B) Olympic Games
C) Commonwealth Games
D) Rugby World Cup
Correct Answer: D) Rugby World Cup
Which iconic phrase did Nelson Mandela use to express his commitment to achieving racial equality and justice?
A) “A Luta Continua”
B) “Make Poverty History”
C) “I Am the Master of My Fate”
D) “The Struggle Is My Life”
Correct Answer: C) “I Am the Master of My Fate”
Which prestigious civilian award did Nelson Mandela receive from the United States in 2002?
A) Medal of Honor
B) Presidential Medal of Freedom
C) Nobel Peace Prize
D) Legion of Honour
Correct Answer: B) Presidential Medal of Freedom
What was the title of the film based on Nelson Mandela’s life, starring Morgan Freeman?
A) “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
B) “Invictus”
C) “The Trial of Mandela”
D) “Freedom Fighter”
Correct Answer: A) “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Which international organization did Nelson Mandela support to promote peace and diplomacy?
A) United Nations
B) European Union
C) African Union
D) NATO
Correct Answer: A) United Nations
What was the name of the political party led by Nelson Mandela that won the first multiracial elections in South Africa?
A) Democratic Party
B) African National Congress (ANC)
C) National Party
D) United Democratic Movement (UDM)
Correct Answer: B) African National Congress (ANC)
Nelson Mandela was known for his advocacy of which social justice principles during and after his presidency?
A) Equality and Justice
B) Ubuntu and Reconciliation
C) Economic Empowerment
D) Land Redistribution
Correct Answer: B) Ubuntu and Reconciliation
What was the name of the global initiative founded by Nelson Mandela to promote peace and humanitarian causes?
A) The Mandela Foundation
B) Ubuntu Alliance
C) Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
D) The Elders
Correct Answer: D) The Elders