But , if needs be , it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die . '' Was born in 1918 in the South African town Qunu . Anti - apartheid leader spent 27 years in prison . Elected as South Africa 's first black president in protest .
Was born in 1918 in the South African town Qunu . Anti - apartheid leader spent 27 years in prison . Elected as South Africa 's first black president in protest .