Nelson Mandela International Day Timeline

July 18, 2009

Nelson Mandela International Day begins

The first Nelson Mandela International Day is held in New York.

1994

Mr. President

Mandela's elected President of South Africa and serves in office until 1999.

1990

Free — finally!

Mandela leaves prison after 27 years.

1963

Prisoner #46664

Mandela is jailed for leading the liberation movement against apartheid. He is referred to by his inmate number.

July 18, 1918

Centennial

It's a moment to mark Mandela's 100th birthday.