Written by Background
Apartheid, a legalized system of racial segregation, had been enforced in South Africa since 1948, denying basic rights to the country’s Black majority. Nelson Mandela, a prominent leader in the African National Congress (ANC), became a symbol of resistance. Arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government, he spent 27 years behind bars, primarily on Robben Island.
Throughout the 1980s, international pressure mounted against apartheid, with economic sanctions and widespread condemnation from the United Nations. Inside South Africa, protests and violent clashes between anti-apartheid activists and security forces escalated. President F.W. de Klerk, recognizing that apartheid was unsustainable, began secret negotiations with Mandela to transition toward a democratic South Africa.
What Happened
On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela was finally released from Victor Verster Prison. The event was broadcast worldwide, with millions of South Africans watching as the 71-year-old walked hand-in-hand with his wife, Winnie Mandela, raising his fist in defiance. Mandela then traveled to Cape Town, where he delivered a powerful speech to a massive crowd outside City Hall, emphasizing the need for reconciliation rather than vengeance.
Mandela acknowledged the deep wounds of apartheid but called for negotiations to establish a nonracial democracy. His speech was a pivotal moment, calming fears of civil war and signaling a path toward national unity. Over the following years, Mandela worked with de Klerk’s government to dismantle apartheid, leading to the historic 1994 election where he became South Africa’s first Black president.
Impact for the Future
Mandela’s release marked the beginning of the end for apartheid and paved the way for a democratic South Africa. His leadership became a global symbol of reconciliation, inspiring movements for human rights and peaceful transitions worldwide. His legacy continues to shape discussions on justice, forgiveness, and equality.