Question

Discuss the role Nelson Mandela played in the abolishment of apartheid laws in South Africa.

Answer 1

For a long time, South Africa was dominated by black Africans but was ruled by the white minority. In 1948, the apartheid law was passed; thus, limiting the involvement of black Africans in the government and restricting their rights. Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress and later on became the leader of <span />Umkhonto we Sizwe in the hopes of ending racial classification. However, he ended up in prison. Instead of losing hope, Mandela started writing his famous autobiography, Long Walk of Freedom. Even when he was far from the public, he was still considered the leader of the antiapatheid movement. When F.W. de Klerk became the president, he released Mandela from prison. Mandela continued his campaigns and finally ran for presidency and won. He reconstructed the constitution, catering to all Africans rights. During the Rugby World Cup in 1995, Mandela encouraged both the black and white Africans to support the team. This eventually became a big move towards ending apartheid.