The life, times and achievements of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would seem to belong to the realm of mythology and legend.

Born in the humble village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape, the life of the former President of South Africa and the ANC has mirrored the history of South Africa in the 20th Century.

Jailed in 1964 for his opposition against apartheid, Madiba, as he is affectionately known, was released from prison in 1991 and led his country through a peaceful transition cited as a miracle by the world.

As the first President of a new non-racial and non-sexist democracy, Mandela captured the souls, imagination and affection of all South Africans. And as a statesman and ex-political prisoner, he has become one of the most revered icons of international peace and human rights.

Former President Nelson Mandela in Qunu in retirement but in reality is as busy as ever making peace across the globe, and making sure that the interests of the weak, the children, the youth, the ill, the poor and marginalized remain high on the agendas of the world through the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and his work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

His life continues to be a source of inspiration not only for the freedom-loving people of this nation but for people all over the world who believe in human dignity and are concerned with the poor and the marginalized.

Mandela was joint recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize with former President FW De Klerk in 1993.