Nelson Mandela grew up in South Africa during apartheid and faced discrimination. He became the first person in his family to attend school and later studied at the University College of Fort Hare. Mandela fought against apartheid and was imprisoned for 27 years for his activism. He later became president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, working to end apartheid and promote racial equality and unity. After retiring, Mandela returned home to Qunu, where he continues to receive treatment for prostate cancer at age 91.