BBC News Nelson Mandela released from prison 1990
11 February 1990
Freedom for Nelson Mandela
Leading anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela was freed from prison in South Africa after 27 years.
His release followed the relaxation of apartheid laws - including lifting the ban on leading black rights party the African National Congress (ANC) - by South African President FW de Klerk.
Mr Mandela appeared at the gates of Victor-Verster Prison in Paarl at 1614 local time - an hour late - with his wife Winnie.
Holding her hand and dressed in a light brown suit and tie he smiled at the ecstatic crowds and punched the air in a victory salute before taking a silver BMW sedan to Cape Town, 40 miles away.
People danced in the streets across the country and thousands clamoured to see him at a rally in Cape Town.
Doctors treated over a hundred people as police clashed with youths looting shops in various cities and townships and several people were reported shot dead.
Mr Mandela, the deputy-president of the ANC, appeared on the balcony of Cape Town's City Hall to speak to the 50,000 people assembled outside at 2000 local time.
He acknowledged Mr de Klerk was a man of integrity, but said: "Our struggle has reached a decisive moment. Our march to freedom is irreversible."
Liberal England: Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock, 1964
11 February 1990
Freedom for Nelson Mandela
Leading anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela was freed from prison in South Africa after 27 years.
His release followed the relaxation of apartheid laws - including lifting the ban on leading black rights party the African National Congress (ANC) - by South African President FW de Klerk.
Mr Mandela appeared at the gates of Victor-Verster Prison in Paarl at 1614 local time - an hour late - with his wife Winnie.
Holding her hand and dressed in a light brown suit and tie he smiled at the ecstatic crowds and punched the air in a victory salute before taking a silver BMW sedan to Cape Town, 40 miles away.
People danced in the streets across the country and thousands clamoured to see him at a rally in Cape Town.
Doctors treated over a hundred people as police clashed with youths looting shops in various cities and townships and several people were reported shot dead.
Mr Mandela, the deputy-president of the ANC, appeared on the balcony of Cape Town's City Hall to speak to the 50,000 people assembled outside at 2000 local time.
He acknowledged Mr de Klerk was a man of integrity, but said: "Our struggle has reached a decisive moment. Our march to freedom is irreversible."
Liberal England: Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock, 1964
