Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, statesman and philanthropist . He was arrested twice for defending black people, once in 1962, and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the state following the Rivonia Trial. Mandela served 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state.Former South African president and civil rights advocate Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for equality. His accomplishments are now celebrated each year on July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day."I Am Prepared to Die" is the name given to the three-hour speech given by Nelson Mandela on 20 April 1964 from the dock of the defendant at the Rivonia Trial. The speech is so titled because it ends with the words "it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die".Mandela was also the oldest head of state in South Africa's history, taking office at the age of seventy-five. His age was taken into consideration as part of his decision to not seek re-election in 1999. Date of deth: 5 december 2013