Timeless legacy

Mandela stepped down in 1999 after one term as President. He set up three foundations bearing his name: The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and The Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. Until the early 2000s his schedule has been relentless. But during this period he has had the love and support of his large family - including his wife, Graça Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday in 1998. Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he has never answered racism with racism.

His life has been an inspiration, in South Africa and throughout the world, to all who are oppressed and deprived, and to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation.

Hamba kahle, Madiba