Nelson Mandela is an emblematic figure in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and a global symbol of justice, peace and reconciliation.

Origins and training Born in the village of Mvezo to the Thembu people, Mandela was destined to become a traditional councillor. However, he chose a different path, studying law at Fort Hare University and later in Johannesburg. It was here that he became involved in anti-apartheid politics. The fight against apartheid Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943, campaigning against the system of racial segregation introduced by the South African government. In 1961, he co-founded the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, after concluding that the peaceful struggle was no longer enough. In 1962, he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and plotting against the state. At the famous Rivonia trial (1964), he was sentenced to life imprisonment and imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years.