21 - Nelson Mandela & F W Klerk
Nelson Mandela (1918 - ) & F W De Klerk (1936 - ) |
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Apartheid, the racial division of South Africa, horrified the civilised world. Opponents received Nobel Peace Prizes in 1960 (Albert Lutuli) and 1984 (Archbishop Desmond Tutu). Nelson Mandela, black lawyer and African National Congress (ANC) member since 1944, was imprisoned in 1962. Even so, his reputation grew and he became a potent symbol of resistance.
F.W. de Klerk, President of the apartheid regime, realised change was inevitable. He lifted the ban on the ANC and released Nelson Mandela in 1990. Negotiations between them brought the relatively peaceful change to democracy. "By looking ahead to South African reconciliation instead of back at the deep wounds of the past, they have shown personal integrity and great political courage." The Nobel Committee |
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