Biography of nelson mandelas childhood information

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is one of history’s most celebrated and respected figures. A man who dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice, his story is one that everyone should know. But before Nelson Mandela was the great leader he is known today, he was a young boy named Rolihlahla Mandela, born in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa on July 18, 1918.

Family History

Nelson’s father, Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Henry, was a local chief and councilor to the monarch of the Thembu people. Gadla Henry had four wives. Nelson was his son from his third wife, Nonqaphi Nosekeni Fanny, the daughter of Nkedama from the Right-Hand House and a member of the amaMpemvu clan of the Xhosa tribe.

When Nelson was born, he was given the name Rolihlahla which means “pulling the branch from a tree,” but also colloquially means “troublemaker” in isiXhosa. His surname Mandela came from his grandfather’s name. M