World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Nelson Mandela released

In November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. Shortly afterwards de Klerk unilaterally and unconditionally released all ANC prisoners apart from Mandela. Within three months all banned political parties were legalised and Nelson Mandela was released. The world watched on television as he emerged from his long incarceration. But Mandela reappeared not as the weak old man many had expected but spry and vigorous from his long years of physical and intellectual discipline. Far from being out of touch with the modern world he proved its master in everything from his handling of television – which had not even existed in South Africa when he was sent to prison – to his handling of the militancy of the younger black generation. Words by Paul Vallely

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