Nelson Mandela easily earned the title of the best South African President. Serving only one term from 1994 to 1999, it wasn't his Presidency that made him such a popular political figure. It was the events leading up to and his leadership style that gained Mandela the title he deserves. Yukl's definition of leadership, the ability to influence others, is demonstrated throughout Mandela's life. He has an innate ability to influence people to come together and gain control over a situation. The reason he has this ability is due to his style of leadership and the motives behind his movements. But before we get too far into his leadership style, we must first understand how he became the man that is remembered today. .
Biography.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His name means trouble maker. And prior to his imprisonment some people would agree that he lived up to that name. Nelson's father would die when Nelson was only 12 years of age. It was around this time that Nelson made the decision (after hearing stories from his elders about his ancestors') that he would contribute to society and the struggle of his people. It was when he began attending primary school that he was given the "Christian " name Nelson. .
Education.
Upon his graduation from secondary school, Nelson attended the University College of Fort Hare. He would not complete his Bachelor of Arts degree there due to the fact that he was expelled for joining a student protest. He would later complete his BA through the University of South Africa in 1943. He would then begin to study for his LLB at the University of Witwatersrand. (Latin: Legum Baccalaureus which is an undergraduate degree in law.) He would leave the University in 1952 without graduating due to a lack of funds. It was only in 1962 did he resume studying through the University of London. .
Political Beginnings.
As stated before Nelson was expelled from the University of Fort Hare for joining a student protest.