History Marking Release of Nelson Mandela from Prison (South Africa, 1990)

Explanation: After 27 years of imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. His walk to freedom, hand-in-hand with his wife Winnie, was broadcast globally and became an iconic image of hope and resilience. His release was a pivotal moment, signalling the beginning of the end for South Africa’s brutal system of racial segregation.

Mandela’s commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than vengeance, prevented a civil war. He went on to become South Africa’s first Black president and a global symbol of peace, demonstrating the power of leadership and forgiveness in healing a divided nation.