Nelson Mandela's Role In Civil Disobedience

Anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela once said, “During my life I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.” (Mandela) Nelson Mandela is a wonderful leader who helped eliminate the apartheid law in Africa. He was a source of inspiration for many during these times, and lives on as a modern-day hero. Civil disobedience is when a group of people come together to protest a law they believe to be morally incorrect. Civil disobedience is non-violent and the protesters are willing to accept any punishment that comes their way. (Suber) Nelson Mandela’s involvement in civil disobedience was due to personal influences, he chose to participate in

Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in a small village named Mvezo in South Africa. Mandela’s name was changed to Nelson by his teacher due to the European schooling system. (“Nelson”) At twelve years old, Nelson’s father passed away due to lung disease. Mandela was sent to live with a man named Jangintaba as his ward at the Great Place of Mghekezweni. (Mandela) Mandela attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute as a young man; he was the first person in his family to attend school. (“Nelson”) Nelson studied for his Bachelor of Arts at the University College of Fort Hare. He did not finish his degree because he was expelled for being a part of a student protest. (Mandela) Nelson married three times over his life time; the first wife was named Evelyn Ntoko Mase, who Nelson married in 1944. They had four children together: Madiba Thembekile, Makgatho, Makaziwe, and Maki. The couple divorced in 1957. (“Nelson”) In 1958, Mandela wed Winnie Madikizela, a controversial woman. They had two daughters together, Zenani and Zindziswa; eventually they split in 1996. Finally, Mandela wed Grace Machel, the woman he remained with until his death.