20 years since Mandela’s release
That was 20 years ago today, when one of the world's key figures Nelson Mandela was released.
Celebrations were held earlier today in South Africa to mark 20 years since the release from prison of Nelson Mandela, a key step towards ending apartheid in South Africa.
In Cape Town, prominent figures took part in a commemorative walk at prison where he spent the final months of his 27 year imprisonment.
Hundreds of people, some wearing yellow T-shirts bearing Melson Mandela's image, retraced his final walk to freedom after 27 years in captivity, chanting "Viva Madiba, his clan name".
Thousands more gathered to watch.
Led by several ANC leaders who spent time in Robben Island prison with Mandela, they marched from the cottage in Victor Verster prison where he spent his final months.
In a picture that would have made Nelson Mandela proud, black, white, Asian South Africans marched side by side through the prison gates, which then closed slowly behind them.
Many said Mandela did the unthinkable as he united the black and white people and ended apartheid.
Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 for plotting to overthrow the government by violence.
During his years in prison he became an international symbol of resistance to apartheid.
Many still say today that Mandela forgave all when he was released after 27 years and thought of everyone in South Africa to unite the nation, although he and his ANC colleagues were sent to prison because they were resisting apartheid.
In 1991, Mandela became the ANC Leader.
He was South Africa's President from 1994 to 1999, when he stood down, one of the few African leaders at the time to voluntarily give up power.
Today 91 year old Mandela was cheered when he went to parliament to hear the speech of current President Jacob Zuma.
He could not talk part in the walk to freedom, but this is one of his many messages about a man's goodness which can overcome any ill-will and hatred.
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