IN PICTURES: On this day: Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom

2026-02-11 - 12:36

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, on Robben Island, at Pollsmoor and finally at Victor Verster. On 11 February 1990, amid mounting domestic unrest and growing international pressure, President F.W. de Klerk ordered his release — a moment that reshaped South Africa’s future.