Mandela will be remembered as a man who went beyond the call of duty. He showed his fellow countrymen that it was possible — perhaps even imperative — to forgive one's enemies. Mandela led by example, inspiring South Africa's political and racial rivals to work together to build a democracy. Mandela was such a powerful leader during apartheid that the white minority government considered him a threat to the state, even from prison.
Authorities banned the publication of Mandela's writings. They refused to allow the media to show Mandela's image. When he was finally released from prison, in February, 1990, most of the world had no idea what he'd look like. And that only added to the drama when he was released, which was clear in a live BBC broadcast on that day:
"And now, Mr Mandela walks through the gates. He's a free man, as of this moment. He's waving his fists in the air, he's smiling. He's a very alert, very imposing-looking figure, slightly greying hair, upright, a beaming Winnie Mandela alongside him."
