On February 11th 1990, Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison and went on to become South Africa's very first democratically elected president. Mr Mandela was locked up for 27 years and during that time, many people around the world campaigned for his release and an end to apartheid. Join Yvonne Archer as we roll back the years.

As you listen to people's memories of the moment when Mr Mandela was released, try to answer the following questions:

1. What does the prefix 'anti' mean?
2. Where was Nuala when Nelson Mandela was released from prison?
3. What expression does Nuala use to show that she didn't think Mr Mandela's release was as exciting as she expected it to be?

Listen to Weekender
	Nelson Mandela's release

Words and expressions from the programme

crowd
a very large group of people that has gathered to do something, e.g. welcome Nelson Mandela on his release from prison

a police escort vehicle
a police car, van or motorcyle which is used to accompany someone who's important or in danger

apartheid
a political system which made it illegal for people of different races to live, socialise or be educated together

legal
allowed by law, lawful

'You couldn't write this!'
as an expression, can be used to mean that a situation is so pleasing, good or impressive that even a writer couldn't have thought of or imagined it

a teenager
a young person who's between the age of thirteen and nineteen

to watch something out of the corner of your eye
to watch something without giving it your full attention, e.g. I was watching the television out of the corner of my eye

publicity
the attention that someone or something gets, especially from the media

frail
weak and thin because of illness or old age

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Extras

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