Mandela was imprisoned from 1962-1990 for treason and conspiracy against the government. He was sentenced to life in prison, but was released early when the ANC became legal again.

1962 - 1990

Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years of imprisonment.

11th February 1990

He is elected president of the African National Congress (ANC).

21 December 1991

Mandela and de Klerk jointly win the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end apartheid peacefully.

10 December 1993

Mandela is inaugurated as the first black democratically elected president of South Africa.

24 May 1994

Mandela launches the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, a charitable organization which aims to help young people, particularly orphans of the AIDS crisis.

8 May 1995

Mandela signs a bill into law creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to uncover human rights abuses during the apartheid era.

19 May 1995

He served as the Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement.

1998 - 1999