Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, a village in Transkei, on July 18, 1918. The definition of Rolihlahla actually means “to pull the branch of a tree”. After the death of Nelson's father in 1927, Mandela became the guardian of Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the paramount leader, who had to be trained to take his place in high office. As he listened to the elder's tales of his ancestor's bravery during the wars of resistance, he also yearned to create his own meaningful contribution to the tribulation of his people's freedom. He then enrolled at the University College, Fort Hare; there he was elected to the Student Representative Council. He was suspended from the university for participating in a boycott protest, and it was an action like this that gave some people the impression that Nelson Mandela was a troublemaker. Mr. Mandela had become acquainted with Walter Sisulu in 1941 and it was he, Sisulu, who arranged for Nelson to write articles for the law firm of Lazar Sidelsky. Mandela received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa in 1942. While studying, Nelson entered politics and joined the African National Congress in 1943. At the height of World War II, a group of Africans who were active members of the African National Congress were brought together under the leadership of Anton Lembede. Members included were William Nkomo, Sisulu, Oliver R. Tambo and Nelson Mandela. Their main objective was that the political tactics of the ANC leadership were proving unsuitable for the missions of national emancipation. In opposition to the old guard, Lembede and his colleagues chose to embrace a radical African nationalism based on the principle of national self-determination. During the month...... middle of article......: The Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. In conclusion, Mandela realized that there would be no easy path to freedom. It was only as a cohesive unit that these goals could be achieved. He fought for the reign of freedom and he prospered. Nelson Mandela always remained faithful to democracy, equality and education. Although he faced horrible and terrible fates, he never responded to racism with racist actions. His life is an inspiration to the oppressed and those who share his vision.Works Cited1. “Using Memory to Create Social Justice.” NelsonMandela.org. Nelson Mandela Foundation, nd Web. March 15, 2011.2. “Nelson Mandela – Biography”. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize for Media, 1993. Web. March 15, 2011.3. “First line”. PBS.org. Frontline: Brilliant Investigative Reporting, nd Web. March 15, 2011