Nelson Mandela is elected Deputy President of the ANC

In 1990, at the opening of parliament, former state president F.W De Klerk made an unanticipated and startling statement when he asserted that Nelson Mandela would be released from prison. He also announced the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and other illegal organisations. The move made it possible for the ANC to relocate its headquarters from Zambia to Johannesburg, South Africa. On 11 February 1990, Mandela was released from Victor Vorster Prison after spending 27 years in the gaol. After his release he toured extensively outside and within the country to address rallies organised by the ANC. On 2 April 1990, Mandela was elected Deputy President of the ANC. He served in this position until 1992 when he was elected ANC president at the national congress. Click here to read Mandela closing address at the Consultative Conference.