President Mandela's Release, 20 Years On

The Takeaway | Feb 10, 2010

20 years ago, former South African President Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He had spent 27 years behind bars, and his release came early in South Africa’s transition from an apartheid regime to a multi-racial democracy. Today, South Africa commemorates Mandela's leaving Robben Island prison – but for some, this is a bittersweet anniversary.

We speak with Fatima Meer, a friend of Mandela's and author of "Higher Than Hope: The Authorized Biography of Nelson Mandela

." She witnessed Mandela's release from prison. We also hear from James Robbings, BBC correspondent in South Africa.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

NYC could see hottest July 4 since 2010 as dangerous heat approaches

The city is expanding cooling centers and urging New Yorkers to prepare for extreme temperatures.
Gothamist |

Supreme Court Opinions

Emily Bazelon offers legal analysis of the last cases argued this term.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

The Fantasy of America at 250

Plus, life sentences for zine-makers in Texas.
On the Media |

America at 250: A View from Britain, with “The Rest Is History”

The historian-podcasters Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explain why losing the thirteen colonies “annoyed” the British, but “it could have been a lot worse.”
The New Yorker Radio Hour |
YOU ARE ONLINE