Nelson Mandela in traditional dress in his youth, around 1950April 4 1976THE South African government is considering releasing Nelson Mandela and other black nationalist leaders now serving life sentences in Robben Island Prison, Justice Minister James Kruger told reporters yesterday in Johannesburg. Mrs Mandela said yesterday: “Nelson is considered a national leader, not a tribal leader. The Robben Island prisoners would be absolutely free in Transkei, Chief Matanzima said. Xhosa political prisoners at the island prison off Cape Town include Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, all serving life sentences. Despite negotiations for his release in the 1970s, Nelson Mandela remained in prison until 1990.

Source: Ethiopian News April 04, 2026 17:17 UTC