Most people knew Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa, a man who became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement, and one who gave up nearly 30 years of his life in prison. He remains a hero to South Africans as well as to the international community, and will continually represent the struggle for freedom. But it’s easy to forget that even legends are human. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Nelson Mandela.
Mandela in prison
Jurgen Schadeberg
1. Mandela’s tribal nickname is “Rolihlahla,” meaning “Troublemaker.”
Other accounts translate Rolihlalhla to mean “to pull a branch from a tree,” which, of course, is something only a troublemaker would do. It was his teacher, Miss Mdingane, who gave him the English name “Nelson,” much to the relief of journalists everywhere when he became famous.
A young Mandela
ILoveHistory
2. Mandela was expelled from university after less than a year.
After finishing boarding school, Mandela headed to Fort Hare Missionary College. Less than 12 months later, he was expelled from college for helping to organize a strike against the white colonial rule of the institution. One might call this foreshadowing
Nelson Mandela the day after he was released from prison in 1990, at the age of 72
Biography.com
3. The United Nations decreed his birthday as Mandela Day.
In 2009, the U.N. declared Mandela’s birthday, July 18, as Mandela Day to mark his contribution to world freedom. The holiday calls on individuals to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, reflecting the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the anti-apartheid movement.
Qunu, Eastern Cape – the village where Mandela spent much of his childhood
CNN
4. Mandela is often referred to as Madiba, his Xhosa clan name
Mandela was a member of the Thembu, a Xhosa clan, and was often referred to by his clan name, Madiba. It is a sign of the incredible diversity of people and languages in South Africa. The country has 11 different official languages.
