NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa, on
July 18, 1918. He was the first member of his family to attend school. A
Methodist teacher gave him the name “Nelson” at school. He continued in school
and later attended the University of South Africa in Johannesburg. He became a
lawyer representing those who would otherwise go without legal assistance.
Mandela was first involved in nonviolent protests but
was eventually arrested for treason and placed in prison. He was fighting
against the apartheid and the treatment of his people. Apartheid was the practice
of keeping the races separated in South Africa. Locked in his cell for years on
end, Nelson’s spirit was not broken. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison.
Most of this time was spent in a tiny cell on Robben Island. His captivity
became widely publicized. He was considered a terrorist when he was imprisoned,
but as time wore on, it became apparent that he was treated unjustly in his
fight to end apartheid.
Once released from prison, Nelson Mandela went on to
receive hundreds of awards. He received the Nobel Peace Prize which many felt
was also a tribute to the people of South Africa as much as to him. On April
27, 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa. He served until
1999. He continued to work pushing for peace throughout the world. In South
Africa, he is known as Madiba, which is an honorary title.
Answer the questions:
1. What can you infer
about why Nelson was so successful in life?
a. People felt sorry for him and took pity on
him.
b. He eventually got the vision of his life.
c. He learned great lessons and was able to
overcome obstacles and work hard.
d. He was able to become president.
2. What is the meaning of the word treason as
used in the passage?
a. disloyalty
b. selfishness
c. violence
d. protest
3. Which of the following statements is true
after reading the passage?
a. Nelson Mandela spent his life seeking
revenge.
b. Nelson Mandela was a perfect person.
c. Nelson Mandela went on to inspire millions
because of his experiences.
d. Apartheid no longer exists on the African
continent.
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