Nelson Mandela: Quick Facts

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Nov. 13, 2026

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How Nelson Mandela’s ANC party lost its way in South Africa • Nov. 11, 2026, 1:05 AM ET (Anchorage Daily News)

Also Known As	Madiba Mandela • Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Born	July 18, 1918 • South Africa
Died	December 5, 2013 (aged 95) • Johannesburg • South Africa
Title / Office	president (1994-1999), South Africa
Political Affiliation	African National Congress • Umkhonto we Sizwe
Awards And Honors	Nobel Prize (1993)
Notable Works	“Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years” • “Long Walk to Freedom”
Notable Family Members	spouse Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Mandela's marriage to Evelyn Ntoko Mase ended in divorce in the mid-1950s after she told him to choose between his political work and her.
Starting in 2002, Mandela encouraged AIDS awareness and treatment, despite the stigma surrounding the disease.
After returning home partway through university, Mandela fled to Johannesburg to avoid an arranged marriage.
Mandela's primary school was a local missionary school where he became known as Nelson.