The second wife of Nelson Mandela, known for her strong-willed nature and activism during his imprisonment, becoming a prominent symbol of resistance.

Served as regent of Thembu and the guardian of Nelson Mandela after Mandela’s father passed away, playing a crucial role in his early life.

A lawyer and activist who co-founded the ANC Youth League with Mandela and became the international face of the antiapartheid movement during Mandela’s imprisonment.

Close friend and collaborator of Mandela, who helped establish the ANC’s Youth League and spent 25 years as a political prisoner on Robben Island.

Introduced Mandela to militant politics while working together as clerks, influencing his early political development.

A charismatic Africanist who significantly influenced Mandela's views and was considered a future ANC leader before his untimely death.

President of the ANC known for his commitment to nonviolence, and the first South African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960.

Nelson Mandela’s nephew, a chief who supported the apartheid government's bantustan system and had opposing views to Mandela.

A principal architect of apartheid policies during his tenure as secretary of the Native Affairs Department, later serving as president of South Africa.

Founder and leader of the Pan Africanist Congress, whose ideas often conflicted with the ANC’s strategies despite his friendly relationship with Mandela.

Former prime minister and state president of South Africa known for his staunch defense of apartheid and military actions against the ANC.

As Minister of Justice, Coetsee initiated backchannel negotiations with Mandela, demonstrating a commitment to facilitating the end of apartheid.

The last president of apartheid South Africa, who played a significant role in the transition to majority rule, receiving a joint Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela.