Today marks the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison

JOBURG – Watch Nelson Mandela’s iconic speech after his release from prison after 27 years.

February 11, 2015

Ancillar Mangena 1 minute read

Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtata. He was given the forename Rolihlahla, a Xhosa term colloquially meaning 'troublemaker'. In later years he became known by his clan name, Madiba.

South Africa’s hero and icon Nelson Mandela was released from prison on this day in 1990.

He was released from Victor Verster Prison (later renamed Drakenstein Correctional Centre) in Paarl at 4.22 pm. He made his way to the Cape Town City Hall and delivered an iconic speech at the balcony of the building.

“I stand here not as a prophet but as a humble servant to you, the people…” Mandela said in his first speech after his release.

He was accompanied by his then wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

Mandela spoke to a crowd of about 50 000 people.

Mandela died 5 December 2013.

Do you have any memories of this day?

See what some people have to say about this day.

#TodayInHistory: 1990 – Nelson Mandela was released unconditionally from prison after 27 years pic.twitter.com/FyUwE9pbAV

— SteveBikoFoundation (@BikoFoundation) February 11, 2015

The life of world icon #NelsonMandela is a lesson on using obstacles&misfortunes to achieve higher ground is service to humanity #resilience

— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) February 11, 2015