Madiba

This lifelike portrait depicts the revolutionary and inspiring Nelson Mandela. Born in 1918, he was the first in his family to receive a formal education and attended university which initiated his interest in politics and campaigns for equality and justice.

He went on to join the African National Congress (ANC) and established its youth league, the ANCYL.

After the 1948 election victory of the Afrikaner-dominated National Party, that introduced Apartheid which restricted non-whites’ basic rights, Mandela’s commitment to politics grew.

He worked with the ANC to achieve full citizenship for all South Africans by organising boycotts and strikes as well as other non-violent methods.

In 1963, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage and treason, narrowly avoiding the death penalty.

Mandela spent a total of 27 years in jail and was released in 1990 after his release was ordered by president Klerk.

In 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace prize and a year later became the first black president of South Africa.

After leaving office, Nelson Mandela remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in not only South Africa but also globally. Mandela passed away in December 2013 leaving his legacy which continues to inspire the fight for equality though his organisations The Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Elders.