Capozzi Suzy - Nelson Mandela from prisoner to president

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo (mu-VAY-zoh). His birth name, Rolihlahla (KHOH-lee-KLAH-klah), means tree shaker or troublemaker in Xhosa (KAW-suh). Many South African tribes, like his, speak this language.

His father, Henry, had an important job in the Thembu (TEM-boo) tribe. He counseled the tribes ruler. But when Rolihlahla was still a baby, his father got into trouble for refusing to obey a white official. The government took away his job and property.

Rolihlahla and his mother had to live with her family in another village, twenty miles away. In time, he learned to fish and to herd sheep and cows, and he played with the other children. He loved his new home.

When Rolihlahla was seven, his parents sent him away to school. This was a great privilege. The school was run by European missionaries. On the first day, his teacher gave him the English name Nelson.

When Nelson was twelve, his father died. Heartbroken, Nelson went to live with the chief of the Thembu tribe. Nelsons father had been the chiefs great advisor, and the chief wanted to honor their friendship. He would make sure Nelson received the best education. His home was bigger than any Nelson had ever seen! Nelson played with the chiefs children and worked hard at school. Soon he felt at home.

Nelson loved listening to the chief and his council. Sometimes they told stories about their peoples history. They also shared problems affecting the tribe. The chief listened to everyone, whether they were worried about crops or about new laws forced on them by the white government. He decided what was best for the tribe after everyone had a chance to speak. Nelson saw how to lead people by listening.

When he was fifteen, Nelson went to boarding school. His good grades there helped him get accepted to college in 1938.

3
Runaway

At college, Nelson studied and kept busy. He played soccer and acted in plays.

Toward the end of his second year, the students decided they did not like how they were being treated. Nelson joined their protest. The principal said he would not be invited back if he continued to stir up trouble. Nelson left school. But he had an even bigger problem waiting at home. The chief had picked a bride for Nelson! He did not want to marry, so he ran away to a city called Johannesburg.

In 1941, the city offered great opportunities if you were white. But for black people, it was a different story. They had to follow strict laws that limited where they could go and what they could own. Nelson could not keep a job. He was running out of money and choices. Luckily, he became friends with Walter Sisulu. Walter owned a real-estate business helping black South Africans find places to live. He was also involved in the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC wanted black South Africans to have the same rights as white South Africans.