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.
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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.
