From Prisoner To President by Nelson Mandela

*From prisoner to president*

When Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years on 11 February 1990, the eyes of the world were on South Africa. He was the most iconic figure in the fight against apartheid, the political regime established in 1948 which institutionalized racial segregation in all aspects of life in South Africa. Images of his release were broadcast across the world and inspired hope of a better future for the country. When he left prison, his fist raised in a victory salute and welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. His last speech before he was sentenced was at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
The extraordinary story of Nelson Mandela – who also went by the name Madiba, in homage to his ancestors’ clan – was far from over. After his release, he played an important role in the negotiations between his party, the ANC, and the South African regime, which resulted in the dismantling of apartheid and the organization of the country’s first democratic elections. When he was elected president of the new “Rainbow Nation” in 1994, he faced the difficult task of leading South Africa down the long and bumpy road to reconciliation, assuaging the fears of the country’s white citizens and fulfilling the hopes of its black citizens.