Nelson Mandella

Introduction

Nelson Mandela was a son of a tribal chief. Nelson was a lawyer and worked

tire-lessly to free his people. Nelson has been in jail for twenty-six years. Nelson

Rolihlahla Mandla was born on July 18, 1918 at Transku area of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela gave a speech Sestember 21, 1953. The quotation was adapted from

an article by Jawaharlal Nehru:

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through

the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountainouss of

our desires.

Growing Up

Nelson had a tribal name Rolihlahla. Rolihlahla means one who brings trouble on his

self.

He grew up in Transku territy of South Africa. Qunu, the valleyhe grew p in, is

surrounded by hills that are covered with grass. Nelson was the youngest out of four

kids. He had three sisters and none brothers. He looked after the cattle and sheep. He

would help plow the field when it was time and helped his farther do chores. When the

chores were done he would hunt, play soccer, or fight with sticks. He would listen to

elders talk about African history.

Nelson's farther was the chief couselor to the Paramount chief of the tribe The

Trrembu. His great grand-farther had been king of the same tribe years ago.

The farther of Nelson Mandela died when Nelson was twelve. Nelson went to his

uncles home when his ferther died where he got good education. His uncle and his wife