1989

The Mandela Decade

"How a prisoner became President"

1989-2000

Introduction

This exhibition is a presentation of around 10 years of Nelson Mandela's life. It is less of a historical commentary than a way of capturing major events and using image to rediscover a particular atmosphere of that time and the vision of a character who has had a very strong moral influence, especially during the 1990s.

NRM and Bikitsha, 1941/1941, From the collection of: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Nelson Mandela's expression well before he became a national hero, in 1941.

In 1990, Nelson Mandela was 72 years old. Imprisoned since 1964, he was the oldest political prisoner in the world. In 1989, he started to negotiate his release with the de Klerk government. During his imprisonment, he experienced many different institutions and his living conditions improved in line with his celebrity.

Inside of Nelson Mandela's cell, 1971, From the collection of: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Nelson Mandela's cell in 1971.

Robben Island group of prisoners, 1977-04-25, From the collection of: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Prisoners working at the Robben Island penitentiary in 1977

Mandela's release, 1990-11-02, Original Source: Paul Grendon / South Photos

On February 11, 1990, Mandela was released. A crowd of his followers gathered in front of the Victor Verster prison where he had been detained. The prisoner demanded that his release from prison was shown to the world. He was reunited with his wife Winnie, his family and his comrades in arms. In his speech at the prison gate, he glorified the people's fight for freedom.

Nelson Mandela released from prison, 1990-02-11, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

I stand here before you, not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.

Nelson Mandela released from prison, 1990-11-02, Original Source: Paul Weinberg / South Photos

On February 11, 1990, the Johannesburg crowd gathered to listen to him at the stadium.

First Democratic Elections, 1994-04-27, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

Today, the colors of the ANC, the Madiba party, stand for freedom.

Negotiations soon got under way between the ANC, the Zulu IFP party and the National Party of de Klerk and Botha This was at the CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) session in December 1991.

CODESA, 1991-12-20, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

Mandela, speech at the CODESA

CODESA, 1991-12-20, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

F.W. de Klerk and Pik Botha at the CODESA

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-22, Original Source: Greg Marinovich / South Photos

The tension between Prince Buthelezi's IFP and Mandela's ANC led to a latent civil war. In June 1992, ANC militants were massacred in Boipatong.

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-22, Original Source: Greg Marinovich / South Photos

Mandela showed restraint but his angry supporters were ready to confront the police who were accused of being complicit in the murders.

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-22, Original Source: Greg Marinovich / South Photos

41 people were killed at Boipatong by the IFP. During the ANC's mourning protests, the police opened fire.

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-21, Original Source: Greg Marinovich / South Photos

A man injured by a police bullet.

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-22, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

The dawn of a night of anguish.

Boipatong Massacre, 1992-06-22, Original Source: Greg Marinovich / South Photos

Mourning in the colors of the ANC

Albert Lutuli, Keystone, 1961-12-10, From the collection of: Getty Images

Albert Lutuli receives the Nobel Prize, 1960

Desmond Tutu, Hulton Archive, 1985-01-01, From the collection of: Getty Images

Desmond Tutu receives the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984

Anti-Apartheid Demo, Keystone, 1964-05-16, From the collection of: Getty Images

In 1964, Oslo's inhabitants were already fighting against apartheid. It was in this city, in 1993, that Nelson Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize.

First Democratic Elections, 1994-04-27, Original Source: Paul Weinberg / South Photos

With the world looking on, the first free elections took place in April 1994.

Inauguration of President Nelson Mandela, 1994-05-10, Original Source: Paul Weinberg / South Photos

May 1994, the day of the inauguration: the joy of the Rainbow Nation

On the day of the vote, look at your ballot paper and when you see the picture of a handsome young man, put a cross beside it.

Nelson Mandela, 1994

Elections 1994, 1994-05-10, Original Source: Gisele Wulfsohn / South Photos

Inauguration of President Nelson Mandela, 1994-05-10, Original Source: Guy Stubbs

President Mandela and his two vice-presidents, de Klerk and Mbeki, during the inauguration.

President Nelson Mandela in office, 1994, Original Source: Paul Weinberg / South Photos

Mandela was the first black prime minister in the new South Africa. Here, he greets a humble employee of the presidential offices on the first day of his appointment.

South Africa goes on Trial, 1963-12-01, Original Source: Baileys African History Archive

Winnie Mandela was Nelson's companion since their marriage in 1958. Here, she arrives with Madiba's mother during the 1963 proceedings. Winnie was her husband's spokesperson during his imprisonment. She too had experience of the prison and secure facilities. But in 1992 the couple separated, and in 1996 they divorced.

Prison releases, ANC, Women, Leaders, 1987-07-11, Original Source: Gille de Vlieg / South Photos

Winnie, here with Albertina Sisulu in 1987, campaigned with the ANC and advocated violence.

Nelson Mandela released from prison, 1990-11-02, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

The scandals caused by Winnie broke the facade of unity.

Mandela, Castro and Blade Nzimande, 2001-09-02/2001-09-02, From the collection of: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Although influenced by communism – here Fidel Castro is received as a special guest in 2001 – the policy of Mandela's government between 1994 and 1998 was more liberal, with privatization offset by social aid.

Al Gore meets Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, 1999-02-17, From the collection of: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

By meeting all the world's great leaders, including the US vice-president, Al Gore, in 1999, Madiba's South Africa stepped into its international role.

EPILOGUE

At the end of his presidency, Nelson Mandela continued to participate in public life with his foundation. He also used these years to enjoy a private life which was transformed in 1998 with his marriage to Graça Machel.

Madiba continues to be one of the central figures in South Africa's public life. New political leaders are always compared to him. He has criticized the delays in action against AIDS and has been involved in humanitarian issues.

In 2007, he announced his retirement from public life. But in 2008, he agreed to participate in a humanitarian campaign in the United Kingdom, 20 years on from the concert organized for his freedom in 1988.

His final speech which marked his retirement from political life in 2007.

The concert of 2008, a look back over a 20-year battle and a call for responsibility. Behind Madiba are stars like Will Smith and his wife Graça Machel.

"It is in your hands now."

Nelson Mandela, 2008

Nelson Mandela released from prison, 1990-12-02, Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos

Credits: Story

Advisor — Zénine, Rafik, Audiovisual Director
Advisor — Emma d'Agonssa, Film Critic
Conseiller — Zénine, Rafik, directeur audiovisuel
Conseillère — Emma d'Agonssa, critique de film

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

Getty Images

The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Africa Media Online