MUST READ: 5 fun facts about former president Nelson Mandela

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela was a man of action and is known worldwide for his sacrifice in the pursuit to free a nation from an unjust system.

As the world prepares to celebrate Mandela Day on July 18, here are five facts that you might not have known about the iconic leader:

1. Madiba had a cameo in a Spike Lee movie

He starred in Spike Lee’s 1992 movie Malcolm X. He appeared in the very end of the movie as a teacher, reciting Malcom X’s speech to a room full of children from Soweto.

2. Mandela was a fan of boxing

The former president was an avid fan of boxing. While not a fan of the violence, he enjoyed the science behind it.

3. Madiba was on a U.S. terror list

The ANC was deemed as a terrorist organisation by South Africa, the United States and Britain. Due to this, Nelson Mandela was put on a U.S. terror list, which he was removed from in 2008 at the age of 89.

4. First ‘black’ law firm

With Oliver Tambo, Mandela opened the country’s first ‘black’ law firm, Mandela & Tambo, which defended people affected by Apartheid laws.

5. Escaped an arranged marriage

He allegedly fled the Eastern Cape for Johannesburg after the leader of the Tembu people attempted to set up an arranged marriage for him. Once in Johannesburg, he found work as a night watchman at a mine.

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