Nelson Mandela's life was marked by early influences, including experiences of racial segregation in South Africa. Growing up in the Xhosa village of Mvezo, he witnessed injustices firsthand. His education at Fort Hare University exposed him to political activism, while his legal training shaped his understanding of law and rights. Influences from mentors and other leaders in the African National Congress deepened his commitment to anti-apartheid efforts. These formative experiences inspired his lifelong struggle for equality and justice, culminating in his leadership against apartheid and his presidency.