Nelson and Winnie Mandela at His Welcome Home Rally

Nelson Mandela and his wife Winnie at the welcome home rally after his release from prison after 26 years. Former President of South Africa and longtime political prisoner, Nelson Mandela, was held by the Candela based government from 1964-1990 for sabotage. With the coming of a freer political climate, Mandela was released from his life sentence at Victor Vester Prison on February 11, 1990. He went on to lead the African National Congress in negotiations with President F. W. de Klerk, that resulted in the end of apartheid and full citizenship for all South Africans. He and de Klerk received a joint Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their efforts. Mandela was elected President in 1994. (Photo by © Louise Gubb/CORBIS SABA/Corbis via Getty Images)