Was born in 1918 in the South African village Qunu . Anti - apartheid leader spent 20 years in prison . In the process , he became an international symbol of strength and hope . Elected as South Africa 's first black president in 1994 .
Was born in 1918 in the South African village Qunu . Anti - apartheid leader spent 20 years in prison . Elected as South Africa 's first black president in 1994 .