Nelson Mandela, 1918-1995

1918: Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18 in village of Mvezo.

1925: Became first in his family to attend school where teacher dubbed him Nelson.

1937: Attended college in Fort Beaufort.

1944: Two years after joining ANC, Mandela formed ANC Youth League. Marries Evelyn Mase.

1952: Mandela sets up law firm with Oliver Tambo.

1956: He and 155 others charged with treason. After four-year trial, charges  dropped.

1957: Divorced Evelyn.

1958: Married Winnie Madikizela.

1961: ANC forms underground military wing. Mandela, now ANC vice-president, appointed group’s leader.

1962: Mandela arrested for leaving country illegally. Jailed for five years.

1963: While in prison, he and fellow ANC members charged with sabotage and treason.

1964: Mandela and seven others given life sentences. Jailed on Robben Island.

1982: Mandela moved to Pollsmoor Prison.

1990: On February 11, Mandela freed after 27 years as apartheid is relaxed and ANC ban lifted.

1991: Mandela elected as ANC president; 

1993: Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk awarded Nobel Peace Prize.

1994: Mandela elected as a first black president. 

1995: Mandela reached out to Afrikaner population by publicly endorsing the Springboks, who won Rugby World Cup on home soil.

1996. Divorced Winnie.

1998: Married Graca Machel.

2004: Mandela announced retirement.

2010: Mandela made surprise appearance at Soccer World Cup Final in Johannesburg.

2013: Mandela died aged 95.