Tasneem Carrim

On 11 February 1990, hundreds of people gathered outside Victor Verster prison in the Cape for the release of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Affectionately known as Madiba, he had spent 27 years in prison fighting to secure freedom and equality for all people.

News of his release had spread around the world and he walked out of prison flanked by many people. His release was welcomed across the country and the world and most people saw him for the first time the day he was released.

One of the world’s most influential leaders of all time has proven that great leadership begins with a servant heart. Nelson Mandela’s legacy is characterised by his humility, passion for people, equality and serving.

Not only did Mandela serve the nation as South Africa’s first democratic president but he also played an instrumental role in fostering a spirit of nation building and togetherness.

In 1990, the winds of change were slowly sweeping our nation, and on 11 February 1990 South Africa was abuzz with the news of the release of former President Nelson Mandela.

Having spent most of his adult life behind bars, Nelson Mandela was more myth than a man.  He along with others such as OR Tambo were giant figures in our national psyche, but few people had ever seen or interacted with them.

On 11 February 1990 all this changed; with the eyes of the entire world upon us, South Africans waited with baited breath to meet the man behind the legend.