Image via Complex Original
Nelson Mandela changed South African history forever. His name is often mentioned in the same breath as Mahatma Gandhi, and just like that great promoter of equality, Mandela lived a fascinating life, one that your average American student doesn't learn enough about. Yes, he was jailed and was constantly surveilled by an oppressive government, but he also wore disguises while traveling around South Africa, hung out with some of the world’s biggest celebrities, and got married on his 80th birthday for the third time.
Get educated with these 10 amazing things about Nelson Mandela you probably never knew.
His Nickname Translates To "Troublemaker"
It's almost like Nelson Mandela was born to lead this life. Before receiving his Christian first name, Nelson, in his youth, Mandela was born with the forename “Rolihlahla,” which in the Xhosa language roughly translates to “troublemaker.” Starting out with a name like that, it’s no wonder Mandela went to such great lengths in the face of adversity.
His Ancestor Was a King
Not only did Mandela have the perfect nickname, he’s also a descendant of a king. His great grandfather on his father’s side was the ruler of the Thembu people in the present day Eastern Cape province (south of Lesotho). His grandfather was named Mandela, which became his last name. How many people can say their great grandfather was basically a king?
He Was on Trial for the Same Charges for Six Years, and Acquitted
As Mandela became politically active, the South African government constantly tried to stop him, charging him with various crimes. Due to his increasingly high profile and the bureaucratic nature of the court system at the time, Mandela was dogged with the same charges for over six years. Finally, in March of 1961, the judge overseeing his case acquitted him, pronouncing Mandela not guilty, much to the chagrin of the government.
He Wore Disguises Around South Africa
Without even blinking after the trial verdict, Mandela began clandestinely touring South Africa to drum up support for his organization (later to become his political party) the African National Congress. Disguising himself as a chauffeur, Mandela earned the nickname “The Black Pimpernel” as government troops searched for him in vain. Rumor has it that he even dressed as a chef and gardener on occasion to evade capture.
He Served 18 Years on a Prison Island
Eventually, Mandela was captured in 1962 in eastern South Africa. He was quickly jailed and sent to Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town. There he was held, often in solitary confinement, for 18 years. Conditions were not five-star: Mandela slept on a straw mat in a damp room, and was forced to do manual labor, breaking larger rocks into smaller rocks. For a period he was even barred from wearing sunglasses, permanently damaging his eyesight. Eventually Mandela was transferred off the island to another prison, but not before serving 27 years in jail.
He Was Elected President at the Age of 76
Being jailed that long didn’t break Mandela. Instead, it only fortified his determination. After dedicating his life to politics and struggling alongside many likeminded, admirable people, Mandela was elected president of South Africa at the age of 76 in May 1994. Mandela and his ANC party quickly went to work, developing policies that would ensure greater equality throughout their country—not least of which included developing an extensive free healthcare system, bringing 1.5 million children to school, and giving three million people access to clean drinking water.
He Hung Out With Michael Jackson and the Spice Girls
Before, during, and after his presidency, Mandela was a star in his own right, attending and supporting fund-raising concerts and events. His high profile paired with his unrelenting style and always affable nature meant he was friends with some of the biggest stars in the world, inviting Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and the Spice Girls, among others, to parties at his house.
Upon Retiring He Said, "Don't Call Me, I'll Call You"
It took Nelson Mandela two attempts to retire from public life. The first time, he kind of retired, but couldn’t help remaining involved in various international issues. Several years later, he decided to “retire from retirement,” famously telling the press, “Don’t call me, I’ll call you.” After dedicating his life to improving his country, that’s maybe the coolest way to bow out. But it should come as no surprise that Mandela remained highly involved in different causes, like HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
He Had His Own Personal Designer
Mandela always looked sharp. He made sure to do his royal heritage proud, changing outfits several times a day once he became president. He also popularized Madiba shirts—colorful dress shirts designed by Mandela’s personal designer, Yusuf Surtee. Mandela set a stylish, open-minded precedent for South African parliament members that continues today, where parliament members come to work in anything from traditional skirts to sharp suits.
U2 Wrote a Song For His Biopic
The new film about Mandela’s life, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, not only stars the undeniably cool Idris Elba playing our main man, but also features the original song "Ordinary Love" written by U2 specifically for the film. You know you’ve done something right if U2 writes a song for a movie about you. It’s an awesomely fitting tribute from one of the coolest, socially-conscious bands ever to one of the coolest, socially-conscious people ever.
