Nelson Mandela

Before his presidency, Mandela was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), and was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage after he went underground and began the ANC's armed struggle.

Locked up in his cell during daylight hours, deprived of music, both these simple pleasures were denied him for decades. With his fellow prisoners, concerts were organised when possible, particularly at Christmas time, where they would sing. Nelson Mandela finds music very uplifting, and takes a keen interest not only in European classical music but also in African choral music and the many talents in South African music. But one voice stands out above all - that of Paul Robeson, whom he describes as our hero.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation (the Foundation) began its life in 1999. It was established in response to a growing and urgent need to provide Mr Mandela, then the newly-retired President, with an office and administrative support to enable him to continue his work as the world’s most recognised and revered public figure and to assist him to respond to the many demands on his time.