Nelson Mandela Timeline

Journey through time with a look at the life of South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - Nelson Mandela remains one of the world's most revered statesman, having led the struggle to replace South Africa’s racist apartheid regime of with a multi-racial democracy.

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - Nelson Mandela remains one of the world's most revered statesman, having led the struggle to replace South Africa’s racist apartheid regime of with a multi-racial democracy.

A Pioneer - Despite many years in jail, he emerged to become the country's first Black president and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

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A Pioneer - Despite many years in jail, he emerged to become the country's first Black president and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Early Years - Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga in 1918, Mandela was given his English name, Nelson, by a teacher at his school.

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Early Years - Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga in 1918, Mandela was given his English name, Nelson, by a teacher at his school.

Early Years - His father, a counselor to the Thembu royal family, died when Nelson Mandela was 9, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

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Early Years - His father, a counselor to the Thembu royal family, died when Nelson Mandela was 9, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

Activism - He joined the African National Congress in 1943, first as an activist, then as the founder and president of the ANC Youth League.

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Activism - He joined the African National Congress in 1943, first as an activist, then as the founder and president of the ANC Youth League.

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After Prison.. - Eventually, after years in prison, he also served as its president.

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After Prison.. - Eventually, after years in prison, he also served as its president.

Marriage - He married his first wife, Evelyn Mase, in 1944. They were divorced in 1957 after having three children.

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Marriage - He married his first wife, Evelyn Mase, in 1944. They were divorced in 1957 after having three children.

Law Practice - Mandela qualified as a lawyer and in 1952 opened a law practice in Johannesburg with his partner, Oliver Tambo (pictured left). Together they campaigned against apartheid, the system devised by the all-White National Party which oppressed the Black majority.

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Law Practice - Mandela qualified as a lawyer and in 1952 opened a law practice in Johannesburg with his partner, Oliver Tambo (pictured left). Together they campaigned against apartheid, the system devised by the all-White National Party which oppressed the Black majority.

Initial Charges - In 1956, Mandela was accused of high treason, along with 155 other activists, but the charges against him were dropped after a four-year trial.

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Initial Charges - In 1956, Mandela was accused of high treason, along with 155 other activists, but the charges against him were dropped after a four-year trial.

Second Marriage - In 1958, Mandela married Winnie Madikizela, who later took a very active role in the campaign to free her husband from prison.

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Second Marriage - In 1958, Mandela married Winnie Madikizela, who later took a very active role in the campaign to free her husband from prison.

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Put in Jail - The government outlawed the African National Congress, which opposed South Africa's White minority government and its policy of racial separation, known as apartheid, in 1960. Mandela was captured and jailed in 1962, and in 1964 he was convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison.

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Put in Jail - The government outlawed the African National Congress, which opposed South Africa's White minority government and its policy of racial separation, known as apartheid, in 1960. Mandela was captured and jailed in 1962, and in 1964 he was convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison.

Release - Mandela became a prison-bound martyr and worldwide symbol of resistance to racism. South African President F.W. de Klerk finally lifted the ban on the ANC and released Mandela in 1990.

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Release - Mandela became a prison-bound martyr and worldwide symbol of resistance to racism. South African President F.W. de Klerk finally lifted the ban on the ANC and released Mandela in 1990.

Leaving Winnie - In 1992, Mandela divorced his wife, Winnie, after she was convicted on charges of kidnapping and accessory to assault.

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Leaving Winnie - In 1992, Mandela divorced his wife, Winnie, after she was convicted on charges of kidnapping and accessory to assault.

Nobel Peace Prize - Mandela used his stature to help dismantle apartheid and form a new multi-racial democracy, and he and de Klerk shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

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Nobel Peace Prize - Mandela used his stature to help dismantle apartheid and form a new multi-racial democracy, and he and de Klerk shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Presidency - Mandela was elected the country's president in 1994. He served until 1999, when he was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki.

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Presidency - Mandela was elected the country's president in 1994. He served until 1999, when he was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki.

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After the Presidency - Since stepping down as president in 1999, Mandela has become South Africa's highest-profile ambassador, campaigning against HIV/AIDS and securing his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup.

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After the Presidency - Since stepping down as president in 1999, Mandela has become South Africa's highest-profile ambassador, campaigning against HIV/AIDS and securing his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup.

Still Fighting - Mandela – diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 – has also been actively involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other African countries.

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Still Fighting - Mandela – diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 – has also been actively involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other African countries.

Nelson Mandela Health Scare - Late in the week, Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for routine tests, which resulted in growing speculation from the media about his health and a public outpouring of support. He spent two nights in the hospital before he was released. Doctors say he suffered a respiratory infection. His foundation has reported receiving thousands of notes for well wishes, including one from President Obama.

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Retirement - Due to his declining health and wish to spend more time with family, Mandela announced his retirement from public life in 2004.

Happy Birthday! - Nelson Mandela, the legendary South African icon, will be celebrating his 92nd birthday on Sunday. Last year the United Nations decided to commemorate the date, July 18, as Nelson Mandela International Day. (AP Photo/Debbie Yazbek-Nelson Mandela Foundation)

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Mandela Day - The United Nations General Assembly declared his birthday, July 18, as “Mandela Day” in November of 2009. On this day people around the world are encouraged to be inspired by Mandela and recognize their own ability to change the world.

Recent Health Concerns - In late January 2011, Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for routine tests, which resulted in growing speculation from the media about his health and a public outpouring of support. He spent two nights in the hospital before he was released. Doctors say he suffered a respiratory infection. His foundation has reported receiving thousands of notes for well wishes, including one from President Obama.

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Recent Health Concerns - In late January 2011, Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for routine tests, which resulted in growing speculation from the media about his health and a public outpouring of support. He spent two nights in the hospital before he was released. Doctors say he suffered a respiratory infection. His foundation has reported receiving thousands of notes for well wishes, including one from President Obama.