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
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others
- Nelson Mandela