President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa
Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa in 1994 and ruled until 1999. The global icon he was, Mandela is well-known as a nonviolent anti-apartheid activist, politician and philanthropist.
Becoming actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s, Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1942. For 20 years, he directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies.
Beginning in 1962, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for political offenses. His release paved the way for his election into the high office as president.
