Release of Nelson Mandela - February 11, 1990 / Today In History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.

" After 27 years of prison, Nelson Mandela, The leader of the movement to end South African apartheid, is released on February 11, 1990. "

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Madiba ", his tribal name), born in July 18, 1918 at Mvezo in South Africa. He was a politician and head of state of South Africa and one of the historic leaders of the struggle against the political system of apartheid before becoming president of the Republic of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, following the first non-racial national elections in the history of the country.

Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944 to fight against the political domination of the white minority and racial segregation led by it. Became a lawyer, he participated in the nonviolent struggle against the apartheid laws, which begin to be implemented by the National Party government in 1948. The ANC was banned in 1960, and the peaceful struggle does not yield any tangible results, Mandela founded and directed the military wing of the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe, in 1961, leading a campaign of sabotage against government facilities and military . Arrested by the South African government, in collaboration with the CIA, he was sentenced at the Rivonia trial in prison and hard labor for life. He becomes a celebrity over the years supported international symbol of the struggle for racial equality.

After twenty-seven years in prison in conditions often harsh, Mandela was released on February 11, 1990, and supports reconciliation and negotiation with the government of President Frederik de Klerk. In 1993 he received the latter in conjunction with the Nobel Prize for Peace for their shares in favor of the peaceful end of apartheid and for laying the foundations for a new South Africa démocratique.

After a difficult transition when De Klerk and him avoid a civil war between supporters of apartheid, those of the ANC and those of the predominantly Zulu Inkatha, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994 . He leads a successful policy of national reconciliation between whites and blacks and fight against economic inequality, but neglects the fight against AIDS, expanding in South Africa. After a single term, he retired from active politics but continues to publicly support the African National Congress while condemning its excesses.

He continued the fight against poverty but also the fight against AIDS through several associations, especially after the death of his son from the disease. It is a world personality played about human rights and is hailed as the father of a multiracial South Africa and fully democratic, described as rainbow nation heaven, even though the country still faces serious problems of economic inequality, social diversity and community declines.

Collectibles on Colnect that Commemmorate This Day in History:

➢ PHONECARDS:
Several countries released phonecards to commemorate and celebrate Mandela's life: