Nelson Mandela

Rolihlahla, the name he was given, in the playful Xhosa tongue, meant "troublemaker." Rolihlahla lived, and sure enough, he made trouble.

Who are the three greatest African leaders in your opinion? Hint: if Mandela doesnt make your list, it is incomplete. How did a boy move from tending sheep to writing his name not just on the pages of history but on the hearts of Africans? Why do many believe that Madiba was the last of his kind? There have been numerous African leaders mired in the same liberation struggle that shot Modiba to fame, what makes him special? My name is Lengdung Tungchama, and today we tell the story of Nelson Mandela's journey to immortality, alongside the freedom story of the black people of South Africa.

In the rolling hills of Mvezo, South Africa, a child entered the world on a crisp Monday in July 1918. Born into the Thembu royal family, the air was dense with the spirit of celebration. Before this child drew his first breath, fate had already ordained him. Rolihlahla, the name he was given, in the playful Xhosa tongue, meant "troublemaker." Little did anyone know, this seemingly ordinary birth was the beginning of a legend that would echo in the hearts of all black people even after he ceased to live. Mandela lived, and sure enough, he made trouble.

You can watch our full video on Nelson Mandela here.