Commonwealth congratulates Mandela on 20th anniversary of his release

Twenty years ago today, on 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela walked out of prison, and into the waiting arms of history.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said this morning: “Nelson Mandela represents the highest values and ideals of humanity – freedom, equality, tolerance, compassion, and putting society above self. His release from incarceration twenty years ago was an iconic event, that changed both South Africa and the world.

“The Commonwealth was proud to have been so closely associated with the cause of ending apartheid, for which Nelson Mandela sacrificed so many years of his life in prison. South Africa’s return to the Commonwealth family - under Mr Mandela’s leadership in 1994 - was a moment of joy and vindication, and one which has greatly enriched our association.

“Despite his popularity throughout his mandate, he left high office at the end of his presidential term, and welcomed his democratically elected successor.

“Today I also pay tribute to former South African President F W de Klerk, whose bold decision to release Nelson Mandela, and to bring an end to the system of apartheid, triggered South Africa’s remarkable transformation.

“Nelson Mandela once said that ‘the Commonwealth makes the world safe for diversity’. That Commonwealth warmly congratulates Mr Mandela, and continues to wish the people of South Africa well, as they journey along the Commonwealth paths of democracy, development and diversity.”

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: South Africa
• Nelson Mandela Foundation