Post Description

Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013) was a freedom fighter, loved and respected around 
the world.

In his struggle against apartheid, Mandela felt violence was justified. He was 
considered by the South African government, and many others, to be a terrorist. 
He was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. 

During his 27 years in jail, world leaders, pop stars and the public called for 
his freedom and an end to apartheid. Finally in 1990, at the age of 72, he was 
freed. 

Forgiving his oppressors, Mandela negotiated with the South African government, 
and in 1994 the country held its first free election. Twenty-three million 
people voted and Mandela won by an overwhelming majority, becoming the first 
blackpresident of a new South Africa. 

In his retirement he worked ceaselessly to combat poverty, injustice and HIV.

David Dimbleby presents a look back at Nelson Mandela's life - including 
interviews Dimbleby conducted with Mandela in 2003. World leaders and well-
known artists commenting on Mandela's life include Bill Clinton, Archbishop 
Tutu, Bob Geldof, Annie Lennox and Lenny Henry.