GK on Nelson Mandela

GK Questions on Nelson Mandela

This page offers a rich collection of quiz questions about Nelson Mandela, including one mark questions and important questions about his life and legacy. These quiz questions cover various aspects of Nelson Mandela’s journey, from his early life to his presidency and beyond. Test your knowledge with these questions and answers about Nelson Mandela, including his involvement with the African National Congress (ANC), his role in the anti-apartheid movement, his fight for freedom, his years in prison, his Nobel Peace Prize, and his famous speeches. Perfect for quick quizzes or study sessions, these one mark questions focus on key facts such as his imprisonment on Robben Island, his leadership in the ANC, and his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Challenge yourself with questions covering his role as the first black president of South Africa, his efforts to end apartheid, and his lasting legacy. Explore these GK questions to deepen your understanding of Nelson Mandela’s impact on history and his enduring influence on the fight for equality and justice.

Introduction of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician, and philanthropist who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mvezo, South Africa into the Madiba clan of the Xhosa-speaking Thembu people. Mandela’s father, Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, was a chief and a member of the Tembu Royal Council.

After his father’s death, young Nelson was raised by Jongintaba, the regent of the Tembu. He renounced his claim to the chieftainship to become a lawyer. Mandela attended the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Witwatersrand, where he studied law. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became a leader of its Youth League.

Mandela played a prominent role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He was arrested, tried and acquitted several times for his anti-apartheid activities. In 1962, he was convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state and sabotage, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.

As president from 1994 to 1999, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid to a multi-racial democracy. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with South African President F.W. de Klerk for their work in dismantling apartheid. Mandela’s life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom, equality and justice.

GK Questions on Nelson Mandela with Answers

Here are all the important Nelson Mandela quiz questions and answers

Question 1: When was Nelson Mandela born?
Answer 1: Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918.

Question 2: Where was he born?
Answer 2: He was born in Mvezo, a village in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Question 3: Who were his parents?
Answer 3: His father was Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa and his mother was Nosekeni Fanny.

Question 4: Why is he also called ‘Madiba’?
Answer 4: ‘Madiba’ was Nelson Mandela’s clan name, which is a term of respect and endearment.

Question 5: What is his educational background?
Answer 5: Mandela attended primary school in Qunu and later went to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school.

Question 6: Why was Nelson Mandela sent to jail?
Answer 6: He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities and sabotage against the apartheid government of South Africa.

Question 7: Where was he jailed?
Answer 7: Mandela was initially jailed in Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa.

Question 8: How long was he jailed in Robben Island?
Answer 8: Mandela spent 18 years of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island.

Question 9: He was also known as ‘The Black Pimpernel’? Why?
Answer 9: Nelson Mandela was called ‘The Black Pimpernel’ because he avoided capture by authorities for 17 months during the early days of his resistance activities.

Question 10: What happened to him after he was released?
Answer 10: After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela became actively involved in negotiations to end apartheid and was eventually elected as the first black President of South Africa in 1994.

Question 11: When was Nelson Mandela awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? And why?
Answer 11: Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to dismantle apartheid peacefully and establish racial harmony in South Africa.

Question 12: What was Nelson Mandela’s birth name?
Answer 12: His birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela.

Question 13: Which tribe was Nelson Mandela a part of?
Answer 13: Nelson Mandela was a member of the Thembu tribe.

Question 14: What does the name “Rolihlahla” mean?
Answer 14: “Rolihlahla” means “pulling the branch of a tree” or colloquially, “troublemaker”.

Question 15: Where did Nelson Mandela complete his primary education?
Answer 15: Mandela completed his primary education in Qunu.

Question 16: In which year did Nelson Mandela join the African National Congress (ANC)?
Answer 16: Mandela joined the ANC in 1944.

Question 17: What was the name of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography?
Answer 17: Nelson Mandela’s autobiography is titled “Long Walk to Freedom”.

Question 18: What was the purpose of the Defiance Campaign led by Mandela?
Answer 18: The Defiance Campaign led by Mandela aimed to defy discriminatory laws under apartheid through nonviolent civil disobedience.

Question 19: What was the Rivonia Trial?
Answer 19: The Rivonia Trial was a 1963-1964 trial where Mandela and other leaders were tried for sabotage and other charges related to their anti-apartheid activities.

Question 20: What was Nelson Mandela’s prison number on Robben Island?
Answer 20: Nelson Mandela’s prison number on Robben Island was 46664.

Question 21: What was the name of the military wing of the ANC that Mandela co-founded?
Answer 21: Mandela co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC.

Question 22: How many children did Nelson Mandela have?
Answer 22: Nelson Mandela had six children.

Question 23: Who was Nelson Mandela’s first wife?
Answer 23: Mandela’s first wife was Evelyn Mase.

Question 24: Who was Nelson Mandela’s second wife?
Answer 24: Mandela’s second wife was Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Question 25: Who was Nelson Mandela’s third wife?
Answer 25: Mandela’s third wife was Graca Machel.

Question 26: What was the name of Nelson Mandela’s village?
Answer 26: Mandela’s village was Qunu.

Question 27: What year did Nelson Mandela receive the Bharat Ratna?
Answer 27: Nelson Mandela received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1990.

Question 28: What year did Nelson Mandela receive the Order of Lenin?
Answer 28: Nelson Mandela received the Order of Lenin, a Soviet award, in 1990.

Question 29: What was the name of Nelson Mandela’s first law firm?
Answer 29: Nelson Mandela’s first law firm was called Mandela and Tambo.

Question 30: What year did Nelson Mandela receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Answer 30: Nelson Mandela received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States in 2002.

Question 31: What is the name of the global celebration in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday?
Answer 31: The global celebration in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday is known as Mandela Day.

Question 32: What year was Nelson Mandela inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa?
Answer 32: Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

Question 33: Who succeeded Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa?
Answer 33: Thabo Mbeki succeeded Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa.

Question 34: How many years did Nelson Mandela serve as president of South Africa?
Answer 34: Nelson Mandela served as president of South Africa for one term, from 1994 to 1999.

FAQs on Nelson Mandela Day

What is the International Day on July 18?

July 18 is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day, honoring the birthday and legacy of the renowned South African anti-apartheid activist and former president.

Why 67 minutes on Mandela Day?

The 67 minutes of service on Mandela Day symbolize the 67 years Mandela dedicated to public service, challenging people to spend time helping others and making the world a better place.

What is the importance of July 18?

July 18 is significant as it marks the birthday of Nelson Mandela, a global icon who fought tirelessly for democracy, equality, and human rights, inspiring people worldwide.

What is the theme for Mandela Day 2024?

The theme for Mandela Day 2024 has not been officially announced yet. However, the day is typically focused on promoting Mandela's values of service, social justice, and reconciliation.

Why is it called Mandela Day?

Nelson Mandela International Day is named after Nelson Mandela, the renowned South African leader whose life and work exemplified the values of compassion, equality, and a commitment to making the world a better place.