Lasting Legacy of Nelson Mandela: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Nelson Mandela—a timeline of influence.

Nelson Mandela was a pivotal South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist. He served as South Africa's first Black president from 1994 to 1999, elected in the country's first fully representative democratic election. His presidency focused on dismantling apartheid's legacy, promoting racial reconciliation, and establishing a multiracial democracy. As a staunch African nationalist and socialist, he led the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997, playing a crucial role in the transition from apartheid to a democratic society.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1956: Freedom Charter inspiration

In 1956, Mandela described the tenets of the Freedom Charter as "an inspiration to the people of South Africa".

July 1978: Mandela's 60th Birthday and Renewed International Interest

In July 1978, Nelson Mandela celebrated his 60th birthday, which renewed international interest in his plight.

1979: Awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Award

In 1979, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in India.

March 1980: "Free Mandela!" Campaign Begins

In March 1980, the slogan "Free Mandela!" was developed, sparking an international campaign that led the UN Security Council to call for his release.

1981: Awarded Freedom of the City of Glasgow

In 1981, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow, Scotland.

1986: Mandela Characterized as "the embodiment of the struggle for liberation"

In 1986, Mandela's biographer characterized him as "the embodiment of the struggle for liberation" in South Africa. He was seen as a potent symbol of resistance to apartheid during the 1980s and gained mythical status internationally.

July 1988: Mandela's 70th birthday attracts international attention

In July 1988, Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday gained international attention. A tribute concert at London's Wembley Stadium was televised and watched by an estimated 200 million viewers. ANC leaders also informed him that Winnie had set herself up as head of a gang, the "Mandela United Football Club".

May 1994: Mandela elected as South Africa's first black chief executive

In May 1994, Mandela was formally elected as South Africa's first black chief executive. His inauguration took place in Pretoria on 10 May 1994, televised to a billion viewers globally. Mandela headed a Government of National Unity.

December 1994: Publication of Long Walk to Freedom

In December 1994, Mandela published "Long Walk to Freedom", his autobiography based on a manuscript he had written in prison. "Long Walk to Freedom" shares the story of Mandela's life, struggles, and eventual triumph over apartheid.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Check it on Amazon

1994: First President of South Africa

In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of South Africa. This marked a historic moment as he was the country's first Black head of state elected in a fully representative democratic election.

1995: Mandela promotes reconciliation through rugby

In 1995, as South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup, Mandela encouraged black South Africans to support the national rugby team, the Springboks. He wore a Springbok shirt at the final against New Zealand, and after the Springboks won, Mandela presented the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar, an Afrikaner, an event widely seen as a major step in the reconciliation of white and black South Africans.

February 1996: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Dedicated

In February 1996, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Tutu, was dedicated to investigate crimes committed under apartheid by both the government and the ANC, granting amnesties in exchange for testimony.

May 1996: New Constitution of South Africa Agreed Upon and National Party Withdraws

In May 1996, the new Constitution of South Africa was agreed upon by parliament. De Klerk and the National Party withdrew from the coalition government in protest.

1996: Release of Mandela documentary

In 1996, the documentary "Mandela" was released, focusing on Nelson Mandela's life up to his inauguration as president.

Loading Video...

1997: Publication of Martin Meredith's Biography

In 1997, Martin Meredith's biography of Nelson Mandela, titled "Mandela", was first published.

October 1998: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Issues Final Report

In October 1998, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued its final report after two years of hearings detailing rapes, torture, bombings, and assassinations. De Klerk and Mbeki appealed to have parts of the report suppressed, though only de Klerk's appeal was successful.

1998: Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement

From 1998 to 1999, Nelson Mandela served as the secretary-general of the Non-Aligned Movement, taking on an international leadership role.

June 1999: Retirement and Foundation of Nelson Mandela Foundation

In June 1999, Mandela retired from the presidency, aiming for a quiet family life but soon engaged in a busy public life, founding the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 to focus on rural development, school construction, and combating HIV/AIDS.

1999: Publication of Anthony Sampson's Biography

In 1999, Anthony Sampson's biography of Nelson Mandela, titled "Mandela", was published.

1999: Steps Down as President

In 1999, Nelson Mandela declined a second presidential term and was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki. He then focused on combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

1999: End of Presidential Term

In 1999, Nelson Mandela's term as president of South Africa came to an end. During his presidency, he focused on dismantling apartheid and fostering racial reconciliation.

2000: Closing Address at International AIDS Conference

In 2000, Mandela gave the closing address at the XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban.

2002: Inauguration of Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

In 2002, Nelson Mandela inaugurated the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.

2003: Creation of Mandela Rhodes Foundation

In 2003, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation was created at Rhodes House, University of Oxford, to provide postgraduate scholarships to African students.

2004: Johannesburg grants Mandela the Freedom of the City

In 2004, Johannesburg granted Nelson Mandela the Freedom of the City, honoring his contributions.

2004: Address at International AIDS Conference in Bangkok

In 2004, Mandela spoke at the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, urging greater measures to combat tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

2004: Successful Campaign for 2010 FIFA World Cup

In 2004, Mandela successfully campaigned for South Africa to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

January 2005: Publicizing AIDS as Cause of Son's Death

In January 2005, Mandela publicly announced that AIDS was the cause of his son Makgatho's death, in order to challenge the stigma associated with discussing the disease.

2005: Founding of Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust

In 2005, Mandela founded the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust and traveled to the United States to advocate for economic assistance to Africa.

2006: Publication of Tom Lodge's Biography

In 2006, Tom Lodge's biography of Nelson Mandela, also titled "Mandela", was published.

2007: Call for Mugabe to Resign and Formation of The Elders

In 2007, Mandela publicly called for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to resign and convened a group of world leaders in Johannesburg to form The Elders, a group dedicated to addressing global issues.

July 2008: 90th Birthday Celebrations and Tribute Concert

In July 2008, Mandela's 90th birthday was celebrated across South Africa, including a tribute concert held in Hyde Park, London.

2008: Unveiling of Mandela statue

In 2008, a statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at the location where he was released from prison, commemorating his release and contributions.

November 2009: United Nations Proclaims "Mandela Day"

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Nelson Mandela's birthday, 18 July, as "Mandela Day", to mark his contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle and called on individuals to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, commemorating the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the movement.

2009: Release of Invictus film

In 2009, the feature film "Invictus" was released, focusing on specific events in Nelson Mandela's life.

Loading Video...

2010: Final Public Appearance at FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

In 2010, despite maintaining a low profile due to ill health, Mandela made his final public appearance at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony.

2010: Release of The 16th Man documentary

In 2010, the documentary "The 16th Man" was released, focusing on specific events in Nelson Mandela's life.

Loading Video...

December 2013: Death of Nelson Mandela

In December 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away. He was a revered anti-apartheid activist and the first president of South Africa, remembered for his contributions to racial reconciliation and democracy.

December 2013: Death and National Mourning

In December 2013, specifically on December 5th, Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95, leading to a period of national mourning, a memorial service, and a state funeral.

2013: Release of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

In 2013, the feature film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" was released, focusing on Nelson Mandela's adult life.

Loading Video...

2013: Unveiling of bronze statue at Union Buildings

On the Day of Reconciliation in 2013, a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at Pretoria's Union Buildings.

2015: UN Names Amended Rules for Treatment of Prisoners as "the Mandela Rules"

In 2015, the UN General Assembly named the amended Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners as "the Mandela Rules" to honor Nelson Mandela's legacy.