Nelson
Mandela
(1918 -
2013)
12/08/25 IS_MYP 5 Significant
Individuals
1
Nelson Mandela
Born: July 18, 1918
Died: December 5, 2013
Key life events:
● 1952 – Helped lead the Defiance Campaign against
apartheid laws.
● 1964–1990 – Spent 27 years in prison, mostly on Robben
Island.
● 1990 – Released from prison and began talks to end
apartheid.
● 1993 – Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
● 1994 – Became South Africa’s first Black president in the
country’s first democratic elections.
2
Apartheid in Africa
Apartheid, which was a system in
South Africa where people were
separated and treated unfairly based on
their race.
It meant that white people had more
rights, and Black people (and other
non-white groups) were treated as less
important — they couldn’t vote, had to
live in certain areas, and couldn’t use
the same schools, hospitals, or public
places as white people.
3
Apartheid Legislation in South Africa
● Before 1948, racial segregation existed but became official and stronger when the National
Party took power and named it apartheid.
● The Population Registration Act classified all people by race: Black Africans (Bantu),
Coloured (mixed race), White, and later Asian.
● The Group Areas Act divided cities into areas where only certain races could live or own
businesses, forcing many non-white people to leave their homes.
● Land Acts ensured over 80% of land was reserved for the white minority, pushing non-white
people onto much smaller areas.
● “Pass” laws required Black people to carry documents to enter or live in white areas, strictly
controlling their movement.
4
Apartheid Legislation in South Africa
● The Bantu Authorities Act (1951)
reestablished tribal leaders to control
Black African communities.
● The Promotion of Bantu
Self-Government Act (1959) created
separate homelands called Bantustans
based on ethnic groups.
● The Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act
(1970) forced all Black South Africans
to become citizens of these homelands,
taking away their South African
citizenship. 5
Other important Apartheid Laws
● The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (1949) and Immorality Amendment Act (1950)
banned interracial marriage and relationships.
● The Suppression of Communism Act (1950) labeled any opposition to the government
as "communism" and allowed detention of people seen as threats.
● The Indemnity Act (1961) gave police legal permission to use violence, torture, or even
kill during their duties.
● “Grand apartheid” referred to laws enforcing political and physical racial separation,
while “petty apartheid” involved everyday segregation like separate transport,
restaurants, and recreation for different races.
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How Legislated Apartheid Ended
● After Nelson Mandela’s release, he spoke at the UN about ending apartheid and became a leader
in South Africa’s government.
● South African President F.W. de Klerk’s government repealed most apartheid laws, including the
Population Registration Act, in 1990–91.
● Although apartheid laws were removed, racial segregation still existed in practice in society.
● A new constitution in 1993 gave voting rights to all races and started in 1994.
● South Africa held its first all-race elections in 1994, electing Nelson Mandela as the first Black
president.
● This marked the official end of apartheid laws, but social and economic inequalities from
apartheid continued. 7
Nelson Mandela’s role and the changes he helped bring
● Led the fight against apartheid: Mandela was a key leader in the African National Congress (ANC), organizing
protests and later supporting more active resistance against unfair laws.
● Symbol of resistance: Even while spending 27 years in prison, Mandela became a powerful symbol inspiring
people inside South Africa and around the world to oppose apartheid.
● Promoted peace and negotiation: After his release, Mandela worked with the government and other groups to
peacefully end apartheid through talks and negotiations, avoiding civil war.
● Helped repeal apartheid laws: His leadership helped pressure the government to dismantle apartheid laws and
create a new, fairer legal system.
● Became South Africa’s first Black president: Mandela led the country’s transition to democracy, promoting
reconciliation between racial groups and focusing on healing the divisions apartheid had caused.
● Advocated for equality and human rights: Beyond politics, Mandela continued to support social justice causes,
helping South Africa and the world move toward fairness and respect for all people.
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QUESTIONS:
1. Who was Nelson Mandela, and why is he considered a significant leader in South African
history?
2. What was apartheid, and how did it affect people in South Africa?
3. Describe how Nelson Mandela’s approach to fighting apartheid changed over time.
4. How long was Nelson Mandela imprisoned, and why was his imprisonment important for the
anti-apartheid movement?
5. What major changes happened in South Africa after Nelson Mandela was released from
prison?
6. What role did Nelson Mandela play in South Africa’s first multiracial elections?
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