Nelson Mendela is freed from prison. His wife, Winnie Mandela, is on his left. Picture: topfoto. co.uk. 1990.

Opening parliament On February 2, 1990, South African President F.W. De Klerk announced the unbanning of the African National Congress , the Pan African Congress , the South African Communist Party , and the release of Nelson Mandela . The news was mostly received with euphoria in South Africa and celebrated worldwide. De Klerk also announced the review and change of South Africa's foreign policy. February 2, 1990 therefore marks a turning point, a watershed in South African history, away from apartheid and towards a new democratic future.