What was the name of Nelson Mandela’s father, a chief of the Thembu people?

Nelson Mandela’s father was Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, a chief of the Thembu people.

Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa served as a local chief and councillor to the Thembu king. He was born Gadla Henry, reflecting the Christian naming practices common in colonial-era South Africa, and belonged to the Madiba clan of the Thembu royal family.

Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo in 1918. After his father lost his chieftaincy and family home following a dispute with a colonial magistrate, the family moved to Qunu. Mandela later lived under the guardianship of Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the Thembu regent, after his father’s death.

These early experiences exposed Mandela to Thembu traditions, customary leadership, and political discussion. They became important parts of the background he described in Long Walk to Freedom.