Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, devoted his life to the anti-apartheid movement and was arrested and imprisoned for as long as 27 years (1962-1990). On the day of his release from prison, he gave his famous "release speech". He was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and is honored as the father of South Africa.
The official Mandela website provides the latest information about Mandela and his legendary struggle, and is now available in multiple languages.