South Africans mark 25th anniversary of Mandela’s release
JOHANNESBURG — South Africans are marking the anniversary of the release of the country’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, who was freed 25 years ago.
A statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela, with a raised fist, stands outside the former Victor Verster prison, renamed to Drakenstein Correctional center, near the town of Franschhoek, South Africa. Photo: AP
JOHANNESBURG — South Africans are marking the anniversary of the release of the country’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, who was freed 25 years ago.
Mandela was released on Feb 11, 1990, after 27 years in prison.
South Africa’s current President Jacob Zuma, said in a statement that the country would continue to be inspired by Mandela’s vision of a non-racial, democratic and prosperous society.
South Africa’s last apartheid president, F W De Klerk, said in a statement that he was sure Mandela would have been proud of the achievements the country had made in the years since his release.
Mr De Klerk also said that he was sure that Mandela would, however, be disturbed by the continued instances of racism in the country.
Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95. AP
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