A mass rally welcomes the released leaders

The transfer placed Mandela in a house on prison grounds and facilitated increasingly direct talks with government representatives.

While white, Coloured and Indian chambers were elected, the Black majority remained excluded and democratic organizations mobilized defiance.

About 30,000 people marched with civic, religious and political leaders after police violence, demonstrating the weakening of restrictions on public protest.

De Klerk took office amid deep internal resistance, economic pressure and international isolation that made political change unavoidable.

Walter Sisulu and six other veteran leaders left prison, signalling that the government was preparing for negotiations with the liberation movement.

The decision began dismantling a central structure through which the security state had coordinated military influence over civilian government.

De Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC, PAC and SACP, the release of political prisoners and the opening of a negotiated transition.

The president confirmed that Mandela would leave prison the following day without renouncing the liberation struggle.

Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison after twenty-seven years and addressed a mass rally in Cape Town, affirming democratic struggle and negotiation.

Hundreds demanded release so that imprisoned activists would not be excluded while negotiations began outside prison.