PEACE: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - Capetown South Africa
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S 33° 54.390 E 018° 25.188
34H E 261432 N 6245213
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela South African black nationalist and statesman whose long imprisonment (1962–90) and subsequent ascension to the presidency (1994) symbolized the aspirations of South Africa's black majority. He led the country until 1999.
Waymark Code: WM3BB8
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Date Posted: 03/09/2008
Views: 44
In 1963 the imprisoned Mandela and several other men were tried for sabotage, treason, and violent conspiracy in the celebrated Rivonia Trial, named after a fashionable suburb of Johannesburg where raiding police had discovered quantities of arms and equipment at the headquarters of the underground Umkhonto We Sizwe (“Spear of the Nation,” the ANC's military wing). Mandela had been a founder of the organization and admitted the truth of some of the charges that were made against him. On June 12, 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
In April 1994 South Africa held its first all-race elections, which were won by Mandela and the ANC. As president, he established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which investigated human rights violations under apartheid, and introduced housing, education, and economic development initiatives designed to improve the living standards of the country's black population. In 1996 he oversaw the enactment of a new democratic constitution. The following year Mandela resigned his post with the ANC and in 1999 did not seek a second term as South African president. After leaving office in June, he retired from active politics.
Field of Accomplishment: Peace
Year of Award: 1993
Primary Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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