11 February 1990, Released

After twenty-seven years in prison, Mandela is finally released. Him, and his wife; Winnie were driven from Victor Verster Prison in Paarl to Cape Town. Thousands of supporters waited at the Grand Parade in Cape Town for Mandela. Standing on the balcony of City Hall, he gave a speech and said that he was incredibly grateful for all those who campaigned for his release.

December 1991-May 1992, CODESA Talks

The CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) was held in the World Trade Centre in Johannesburg in December 1991. At the first CODESA nothing was really achieved. The second CODESA was in May1992. Mandela and FW De Klerk had heated debates about a federal system versus a unitary system for ethnic minorities. 

1993, Nobel Peace Prize

In 1993, Mandela was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, along with FW De Klerk, for working to abolish the apartheid regime and establish a new, democratic South Africa.  

27 April 1994; Elections

This was the first time that the ANC was allowed to campaign. Their slogan was “A better life for all”. They promised to build one million houses in five years, introduce free education for everyone and make water and electricity more accessible. Mandela voted at Ohlange High School and, with the ANC taking 62% of the vote, was elected president.