Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a great leader who spent his entire adult life working for equality and justice in South Africa. Mandela has inspired people around the world to work non-violently for a better life.
Mandela was born on January 18, 1918, in South Africa. He was named Rolihlahla, which means "troublemaker" in the Xhosa language. Mandela's Grandfather was the ruler of the Thembu people and his father was a local Chief.
Mandela fought against apartheid, the laws that established Racial separation and oppression in South Africa. He was arrested for this and sentenced to life in prison in 1964. After spending 27 years in prison, he was released and was later elected President of South Africa.
Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 until 1999 (he refused a second term). He championed reconciliation, the peaceful resolution of grievances after decades of repressive laws against black South Africans. Without Mandela's leadership, South Africa might well have lapsed into a bloody civil war.

Mandela died on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. He died of natural causes after a long illness. He will be remembered as one of the greatest peace-makers and ___________________________ of all time