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Born to Hendry Mphakanyiswa and Nosekeni Qunu
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Expelled from the University of Fort Hare
Exact date in in 1940 unknown. -
Joined the African National Congress
Exact date in 1952 unknown. -
Lead the Defiance Campaign and encouraged people to break racial separation laws
No exact date. -
Declares he is "prepared to die" for a democratic South Africa when on trial after sabotaging the government.=
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Is sentenced to life imprisonment along with six others.
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Refuses a government offer of release on the condition that he agrees to an exile.
Exact date in 1973 unknown. -
Offered another offer of release on the condition that he renounce violence
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Met President P.W. Botha
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Met Botha's successor, F.W. de Klerk
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Release is announced by de Klerk
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Walks out of prison
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Shares a Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk
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Is voted the first black president of South Africa
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Retired after one term of presidency
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Spent all of December in a hospital where he was treated for a lung infection and had a procedure to remove gallstones
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Returned to hospital with a recurring lung infection
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Died at the age of 95 in his home
