Nelson Mandela was central to every stage of South Africa’s epic struggle against apartheid – from formulating a new approach to the struggle in the 1940s, to leading the mass struggle of the 1950s, from the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe in the early 1960s, to imprisonment for 27 years. He served as the first President of a democratic South Africa, according him the iconic accolade of ‘Father of the Nation’.

The exhibition traces how Mandela built a new nation from the fragments of conflict, making full use of the ‘weapons’ at his disposal: love, persuasion, forgiveness and acute political acumen – with a fair amount of self-deprecating humour thrown in for good measure. It is a rich and nuanced account of the great man’s story. Mandela’s extraordinary life is explored in thematic sections: character, comrade, leader, prisoner, negotiator and statesman. Within each theme, the narrative is presented through visual wall displays, supported by films.

Produced by the Apartheid Museum in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Museum and the Department of Education. Support of the Mott Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the National Lottery, is also gratefully acknowledged.

Enquiries: Wieke van Delen, Tel. 021 461 3375 or email wvandelen@iziko.org.za