Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe. After the banning of the ANC in 1960, Nelson Mandela argued for the setting up of a military wing within the ANC. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour. During his years in prison, Nelson Mandela's reputation grew steadily. Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990."The ANC Youth League specially encourages all young people to change their profile pictures on Facebook, Twitter, BBM [Black Berry Messaging], linked in [sic], MXit and all social sites to be pictures of Comrade Nelson Mandela," said African National Congress Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu in a statement.
South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, is celebrating his 93rd birthday Thursday, as people all over the world honor his life by giving back to their own communities.
US president Barack Obama and Mrs Obama
US President Barack Obama saluted anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela on his 93rd birthday, saying he set the standard for service delivery by civil servants world-wide. Obama called Mandela "a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation."
Mandela became president of the youth league in 1951."Obama said the United States was honoured to join 192 United Nations member states in 2009 to declare July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition of his contribution to peace and freedom.
