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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Xhosa pronunciation: [xoˈliːɬaɬa manˈdeːla]) (18 Julie 1918 − 5 December 2013) servit as Preses o Sooth Africae frae 1994 tae 1999, an wis the first Sooth African president tae be electit in a fully representative democratic election.
Mandela wis born in Mvezo, Sooth Africae to a royal Thembu clan. Afore his presidency, Mandela wis an anti-apartheid activist, an the leader o Umkhonto we Sizwe, the airmed wing o the African Naitional Congress (ANC). In 1962 he wis arrestit an convictit o sabotage an ither charges, an sentenced tae life in prison. Mandela served 27 years in prison, spendin mony o these years on Robben Island. Follaein his release frae prison on 11 Februar 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations that led tae multi-racial democracy in 1994. In 1993, Mandela was awaidit the Nobel Peace Prize wi F. W. de Klerk.
As president frae 1994 tae 1999, he frequently gave priority tae reconciliation. Mandela acame heid o the Govrenment o Naitional Unity which wis unner controllit bi the African Naitional Congress (or ANC). Mandela haed never plannit on servin a seicont term in office. Mandela gae his farwell speech on 29 Mairch 1999, efter which he retirit. In Sooth Africae, Mandela is eften kent as Madiba, an honorary title adoptit bi elders o Mandela's clan.
Mandela deit frae lung infection in Johannesburg, agit 95.