When was Nelson Mandela born and when did they die?

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 and died in 2013, living to about 95 years old.

Who was alive at the same time as Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela's closest contemporary was Stan Lee, with whom they shared 91 years of overlapping lifetimes. Explore more contemporaries on Timeliner.

Nelson Mandela

Q: What was Nelson Mandela known for?

Nelson Mandela was known for: Anti-apartheid hero, South African President. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His administration focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation, a national peace accord and eventual multiracial democracy. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as the president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

1918 – 2013

Politics & Leadership

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His administration focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation, a national peace accord and eventual multiracial democracy. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as the president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

Nelson Mandela

Contemporaries

Their World