The United Nations observes July 18 as the International Mandela Day to mark the birth anniversary of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela and to remember his work against racial oppression and in leading the movement towards human rights and social justice in an unequal society

South Africa's first black President and anti-apartheid icon, who served 27 years in jail and was the 1st to be elected in a democratic election was born on this day, July 18 in 1918. We look at his life through picture