When Mandela got released he went back to working for justice and equality for all South Africans. After being jailed for 27 years, he emerged in 1990 to become the country's first black president four years later,and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. Since retiring as president in 1999, Mandela has become South Africa's highest-profile ambassador.

People protesting against Mandela's imprisonment.