Nelson Mandela helped end apartheid in South Africa because he believed in basic human rights, leading both peaceful and violent protests against the white government South African. His beliefs landed him in prison for twenty-seven years, almost three decades. In doing so, he became the face of the apartheid movement both in his country and around the world. Upon his release from prison in 1990, he continued to honor his commitment to fight for justice and equality for all in South Africa. In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected South Africa's first black president and formed a government that represented the people of South Africa. What was apartheid? Apartheid existed when people were separated into different groups: White, Black, Indian and Colored, as a government policy. In the South African language, apartheid means separation. In 1958, black people were deprived of their citizenship. There were separate schools, buses, stores, and hospitals for blacks and people of color, and the services available fell far short of those provided for whites. Even the laws were different. Apartheid affected all aspects of social life, including the banning of marriage between non-whites and whites and the approval of “whites-only” jobs. This situation got out of control under Dr Daniel Malan when he became Prime Minister because Afrikaans (white South Africans) feared that blacks would start taking skilled and semi-skilled jobs and that black workers would move into cities and stay there. Many did not know what apartheid meant, but they knew that it separated whites from blacks. Life during apartheid was difficult. Meanwhile, the National Party continued to dominate the headlines. His country was free. This finally happened in 1990, with the end of apartheid. In conclusion, Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the freedom of his people, without much regret for the personal sacrifices he made. Nelson Mandela was determined to bring a better life to the people of South Africa. Amazingly, he was able to preserve, bring justice to his people and place the healing of his nation ahead of any bitterness he might feel towards the people who had treated the majority of the South African community with disrespect and cruelty. He believed that ALL people should have basic human rights and encouraged his country to heal, not hate. apartheid-an-introduction-for-children http://www.nelsonmandelas.com/apartheid.php http://www.history.com/topics/apartheid