Biography nelson mandela ks2

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He used his time to learn new things, including Afrikaans – a language of South Africa spoken mostly by white people – which earned him respect from the guards he spoke to.

When was Nelson Mandela freed from prison?

Over time, Nelson Mandela became a famous prisoner, and there were calls all around the world to ‘Free Nelson Mandela!’.

Under new racist laws, black people and white people were forced to lead separate lives. He then moved to the city of Johannesburg to study law at the University of the Witwatersrand, before qualifying as a lawyer in 1942, aged 24.

Inequality in South Africa

South Africa is home to many different peoples and cultures – so much so that it’s been nicknamed the ‘rainbow nation’.

He even refused freedom on two occasions, and instead chose to stand by his principles. Their work towards making South Africa a more peaceful place won the pair the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Come the 1994general election, all races in South Africa were allowed to vote.

Following a lung infection, Nelson Mandela sadly died in December 2013, aged 95 years old.

How is Nelson Mandela remembered?

Nelson Mandela’s spirit and values are still very much alive to this day, and he will forever be remembered. They had far fewer rights, too – they weren’t even allowed to vote in elections!

Like many others, Nelson Mandela felt that everyone deserved to be treated the same, regardless of their skin colour.

In 1982, Nelson was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison, and later in 1988, he moved for a final time to Victor Verster Prison near a town called Paarl.

Throughout his time behind bars, Nelson Mandela didn’t give up on what he believed in.

A worksheet for this activity is provided to be used if needed.
• Follow – Up Activity 4 – Guidance to help students produce artwork based on the idea of South Africa as a ‘rainbow nation’. A man who went from being a prisoner to a President and became an inspiration to people all over the world!

Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa.

Most South Africans were black but some were white, Asian or mixed race.

White people were in charge of the government and set up an unfair system of laws called Apartheid.

Apartheid meant that white and black people led separate lives.

They couldn't marry or even eat together and the lives of white people were much better.

Black people couldn't change things because they weren’t allowed to vote.

Mandela thought Apartheid was wrong.

He joined a group who wanted to end it.

At first he tried to persuade the government with peaceful protests.

When this didn't work, he used violence.

He blew up things like electricity pylons and buildings.

They weren’t allowed to live in the same areas, share a table in a restaurant, attend the same schools or even sit together on a train or bus!

What did Nelson Mandela do?

Nelson Mandela became an important figure in the ANC, and he helped set up and lead a section for young people called the ANC Youth League.

But sadly, Nelson was just twelve years old when his father died.

Nelson studied hard at school and later attended the University of Fort Hare, the South African Native College. But whilst he left politics behind, he continued to be an important figure around the world as a symbol of peace and equality.

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He also worked hard to make South Africa a country of equality, where people of all race and colour could live together in peace.

In 1999, Nelson Mandela retired as President and his successor was called Mbeki. But, sadly, at the time that Nelson Mandela was growing up, there was a huge racial divide in the country.

White people ran the country, and they generally led privileged lives with good jobs, nice homes and access to good schools and healthcare.

Ideal for studying significant individuals, Black History Month and Mandela Day. Suitable for KS2.
This resource includes:
• A 14 slide PPT
• A paper copy of Nelsons Mandela’s biography
• Follow Up Activity 1- Differentiated comprehension questions
• Follow Up Activity 2 - Students use pictures to write about key events in Nelson Mandela’s life.
• Follow Up Activity 3 - A selection of quotes is provided for students for analysis and discussion.

From there, things only got worse for Nelson…

In 1963, the police raided a farm near the city of Johannesburg and found documents belonging to the secret army, as well as weapons. He later travelled the country to gain support for non-violent protests against the National Party’s racist laws, too.

This activism made him very unpopular with the authorities, and Nelson was arrested for treason – the crime of betraying your country’s government – several times.

While Nelson was under arrest in the late 1950s, the government banned anti-apartheid groups such as the ANC.

But that didn’t stop Nelson and his fellow activists – in fact, they felt more had to be done to bring about change.

So, even though they preferred using peaceful protests in their struggle for equality, in 1961 Nelson and other ANC leaders formed a secret military group called UmkhontoweSizwe, or Spear of the Nation.

Why did Nelson Mandela go to prison?

Nelson knew he would be in big trouble if the authorities found out about the secret army and their plans, and so he kept a very low profile.

The result? But in August 1962, he was arrested on his return from a trip to Algeria in Northern Africa, and sentenced to five years in prison. He worked hard to bring all South Africans of all skin colours together.

Nelson Mandela died in 2013, aged 95.

Over his long life, he changed a nation and helped people all around the world understand that everyone should be treated the same.

Last updated

16 November 2024

A biography of Nelson Mandela which includes a PPT, comprehension worksheets and follow up activities.

Nelson’s hard work finally paid off – the ANC won, and Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.

As President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela improved the living standards and facilities of South Africa’s black population, who had suffered for decades under apartheid.

His father’s name was Henry, and his mother was called Nosekeni Fanny.

As a youngster, little Nelson was actually called Rolihlahla – it wasn’t until he was seven that a teacher at school gave him the name ‘Nelson’, and it stuck!

And check this out… Nelson was born into royalty!