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Mandela walks to freedom: 11 February 1990

From 1989, President de Klerk starts the gradual process of moving South Africa towards black majority rule. In 1990, the African National Congress (ANC) is legalised and its leader Nelson Mandela is released from prison.
Following the 1989 elections, a general strike by three million black South Africans is supported by many whites. Responding to public pressure, de Klerk lifts the ban on the ANC and other political organisations and announces Mandela's release. On 11 February 1990, the 73-year-old Mandela, with his wife Winnie, walks free after 27 years in prison.

ITN: news footage with natural sound, and commentary added at the time.

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