On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela released from prison.
South Africa

South African – part of a 10-stamp set issued Nov. 26, 2001 
Photo by Alf Kumalo. Kumalo was a photojournalist who documented apartheid in South Africa.
Remembering Alf Kumalo: Chronicler Of Life Under Apartheid : The Picture Show : NPR

Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years imprisonment on Sunday February 11, 1990. Within 3 years, Mandela became South Africa’s first black President and would continue working to dismantling apartheid.

“Comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom. I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you the people. Today, the majority of South Africans, black and white, recognise that apartheid has no future. It has to be ended by our decisive mass action. We have waited too long for our freedom.” 
Mandela on the day of his release.  Cape Town Grand Parade grounds

Nelson Mandela’s release from prison: 33 years on – Nelson Mandela Foundation 
Biography of Nelson Mandela – Nelson Mandela Foundation