Nelson Mandela (Nobel)

Nelson Mandela, born Rolihlahla Mandela, was a South African anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, born into a royal family. His controversial career began while in college, when expelled for participating in a student protest. Later, Mandela faced repeated arrests becoming a symbol against the apartheid system of institutionalized racial segregation. Though acquitted after being charged with treason, he was later arrested and sentenced to life in prison. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged as a global symbol of resistance to racism. Upon his early release, he began to cooperate closely with the current South African president F. W. de Klerk, , culminating in the first multi-racial elections in the country's history. Four years later, Mandella became South Africa's first black president, leading a fully representative government. Nelson Mandela's work was deeply influenced by his Christian faith as reflected in his words: "The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!" While committed to his faith during his tumultuous life of armed resistance and multiple marriages, Mandela acknowledged his imperfections when he stated: "I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying."