Newscast Old Newscast: Nelson Mandela Is Released From Prison, 1990 (Part 2)
Jul 26, 2025
Fergal Keane, a former Southern Africa correspondent who reported on Nelson Mandela’s release, and Milton Nkosi, a former BBC Africa bureaux editor, delve into the momentous day of February 11, 1990. They discuss the immense hope tied to Mandela’s freedom and the complex challenges that followed, including violence and the push for democracy. Personal stories highlight the emotional weight of South Africa’s transition and Mandela’s enduring legacy of forgiveness and reconciliation in a nation still grappling with the past.
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Hope Followed By Violent Backlash
- Mandela's release did not guarantee peaceful transition; it triggered violent clashes and a deadly struggle for power.
- State elements and rival black groups fuelled township massacres that threatened the negotiation process.
Bui Patong Massacre Memory
- Milton Nkosi recalls the Bui Patong massacre where over 40 people were killed by hostel-based attackers.
- He describes the attack as brutal and as stalling the CODESA negotiations.
Relationships Drove The Deal
- Personal relationships between negotiators proved decisive in reaching political settlements.
- Ramaphosa and Rolf Mayer built trust that helped create a consensus for a government of national unity.