mr. nelson mandela, mr. new south africa. >> reporter: it was a long walk nelson mandela took, a walk that lasted nearly a century, a walk to freedom and human dignity. a walk he ended up taking the whole world on along with him. >> on behalf of our rainbow nation, i welcome you all. >> reporter: nelson mandela towered over them. a moral and political leader of surpassing strength, implacable determination, and profound decency. >> i am a product of africa. and the long-cherished dream of a rebirth that can now be realized. so that all of our children may play in the sun. >> reporter: mandela was born in 1918 into the royal family of the tembu people, but he grew up under apartheid, the vicious system of racial segregation and oppression by which the white minority ruled south africa. it's hard today to imagine the pure evil of that system. abject poverty for blacks and severe restrictions on travel, education and employment. whites enjoyed all of the power and riches in this rich country. mandela's trouble

gwen: and -- we remember nelson mandela. >> there's mr. mandela, mr. nelson mandela, a free man taking his first steps into a new south africa. gwen: covering the week, jackie calmes of the "new york times," michael fletcher of "the washington post," and david wessel of "the wall street journal." >> award-winning reporting and analysis covering history as it happens. live, from our nation's capitol, this is "washington week" with gwen ifill. corporate funding for "washington week" is provided by -- we know inw-up, cyber world, threats are always evolving. we were protecting networks, then we were protecting the transfer of data, today, it's evolved to , finance, and military missions. constantly innovating to advance the front line in the cyber battle wherever it takes us. of performance. northrop grumman. additional corporate funding for "washington week" is provided by prudential. providedl funding is annenbergndation foundation, corporation for broadcasting and contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. once again, live from

mr. mandela there was time for one question. what is the one thing in life you know for sure? nelson in the morning. >> right. >> thanks very much. appreciate it. we'll be right back. keep our c. and we've made a big commitment to america. bp supports nearly 250,000 jobs here. through all of our energy operations, we invest more in the u.s. than any other place in the world. in fact, we've invested over $55 billion here in the last five years - making bp america's largest energy investor. our commitment has never been stronger. and this park is the inside of your body. see the special psyllium fiber in metamucil actually gels to trap some carbs to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. metamucil. 3 amazing benefits in 1 super fiber. [ alarm sound for malfunctioning printer ] [ male announcer ] you've reached the age where you've learned a thing or two. [ metal clanks ] ♪ this is the age of knowing what you're made of. so why let erectile dysfunction get in your way? [ gears whirring ] talk to your doctor about viagra. 20 million men already have. ask your doctor if your heart is h

mr. nelson mandela will be released from the prison. >> there is mr. nelson mandela, a free man taking his first steps into a new south africa. >> reporter: released at the age of 72, remained vigilant that his country and freedoms rested in the hands of the people. >> i stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant. >> reporter: and for the people of south africa, mandela's release ushered in a new era of hope and the end of apartheid. >> today the majority of south africa, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. >> reporter: in 1994 south african's castheir ballot in the first democratic election. >> this morning applause for the first black voter in history. >> reporter: mandela became the country's president, the first elected by all its people. >> we are all south africans. we have had a good fight, but now this is a time to heal the old wounds and to build a new south africa. >> reporter: after ruling for five years, nelson mandela passed the torch to the next generation and became an elder statesman to the world,

mr. nelson mandela. >> reporter: and into the tiny cells. this is where mandela spent almost two decades. a cold stone cubicle. no plumbing. a thin mat for sleeping. hard labor in the prison rock quarry. a hard life day in and day out. ahmed muhammed cusrata was a fellow political prisoner but now a retired member of parliament. one of mandela's closest friends. >> we were sentenced to life in imprisonment, and we knew that for political prisoners, life meant life. >> reporter: but he said mandela never asked for special treatment. in fact, he refused it. >> he could have been exempted from work at the quarry. he refused. 1977, 13 years after we were in prison, he was offered release. he refused. >> reporter: over the years in prison, mandela developed a unique friendship with this man. one of his guards, crito brand. >> i don't know at all who mandela was when i started at robben island. >> reporter: a warm friendship began to develop and one day brand broke all the rules for madiba as mandela was called by his friends. mandela's wife winni

of course, nelson mandela is gone, but let me tell you, mandela must live forever. >> let's hope it does, mrale, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this day. >>> speaking of robben island, i spoke with nelson mandela in march of '98, a day after he toured robben island together with then president bill clinton. here's what he told me. we saw you take president clinton to robben island to your cell where you spent 18 years as a political prisoner. today we're sitting here in your beautiful home. the contrast between that cell and this home here in cape town is remarkable, but it must be so amazing for you to see where you are right now, see where south africa is right now, and to remember those days, which were only a few years ago. >> no, that is true the fact that i spent so many years is only a part of my background. i don't think about it, because as i pointed out to the president yesterday, when i think of those days, unpleasant memories arise in my mind, and though it is tragic, but at the same time it is an important lesson, because human beings are human beings. that is one of the

mr. nelson mandela today. [applause] naacp expresses deep condolences. we all feel a great loss of a great leader like mr. mandela. you know, when he began his movement with the nac we felt like it was a model that the naacp had set forth. we were right there arm in arm with him to try to end the discrimination. now, his life that he strived for liberation of african nations, challenged the dignity of the african people and endeavored to advance all african countries, and move forward with the world. he was an op to mist, kept his head pointed towards the sun, his feet moving forward. he never gave into despair during his many dark days. we consider nelson mandela the founding father of south africa's democratic nation. he created a south africa founded on a sound civil human rights principles for all. he was confident in his call for one person, one vote for all people everywhere regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation. he felt that one vote was the most powerful thing they could do to turn the power over to all the people in south africa. h

nelson mandela, he changed our world. many remember in 1990 when they made the visit they had a marquee saying welcome mr and mrs nelson mandelait was an electrifying time. there was a huge parade. people remember standing on top of the mar key to get a great vantage point. it was something of hope. it was felt his visit was significant. there was a time when there was a sense of hope and pride in harlem. we talked to an historian at the theatre. a lot of people felt like nelson mandela is here. someone who has been through so much and has every reason to be bitter, but he is not. maybe i need to get my act together. there's a memorial, not that visible from where we are, candle, and a few cars. more are stopping by to share the memories of that day in 1990 that he came to new york and so many came to see him. >> jonathan martin in harlem for us. thank you very much. >> here is a look at - we'll listen to an excerpt from nelson mandela's famous inaugural address. >> well, obviously we don't have that piece of tape. we'll continue the coverage on al jazeera america in a moment. we want to recap what has happened. the news, look

so we leave you tonight with nelson mandela and his own words. >> there is mr. , a free man, taking his first steps into a new south africa. that is the man who the world has been waiting to see. >> i stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant. today the majority of south africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. south africa has room for everyone. i have the idea of a democratic and free society. it is an idea for which i hope to live to see. if it need be it is an ideal for which i am prepared to die. our people demanding democracy. our country which continues to plead and suffer pains needs democracy. let us stretch out our hand and to say to them we are all south africans. we have had a good fight, but now this is the time to heal the old wounds and to build a new south africa. we have never doubted in our minds our country. i am the product of africa and it is time for a rebirth that can now be realized. so that all our children may play in the sun. >> and we are so glad you were with us tonight. abcnews.com will

and mrs nelson mandela. one of the people who remembered that was the historian, mr billy mitchell. we talked about what that day was like in his memory. >> he was fully aware that all the people from civil rights fighters and to have his preps here, it meant a lot to all of us coming up out of problems. we were going through housing, education, things that of nature. his presence made us feel good, that there is hope. if this man could spend it that much time in prison and never gave in, so, of course, that would be reflected in the community that he was visiting. we were so positive by him being here, that there's nothing we can't do. >> tonight we have seen a lot of people stopping buy to share stories along each other. a few gathering under the apollo marquee. people have brought pictures by. a lot of pictures sharing memories of that day. so many people came by to see him. >> thank you very much. we are doing to take a break, but we'll look at nelson mandela's fight against apartheid coming up. conversat

mr. mandela, mr. nelson mandela. man taking his first steps into a new south africa. >> after all of those years in prison, mandela could have used his political power to fuel a wave of violence against white oppressors. instead he spoke of one country. >> i greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. >> mandela and south african president f.w. de klerk formed an unlikely alliance that in 1993 would win them both the nobel peace prize. a year later, mandela would run for president himself. the stunning aerial images in the towns surrounding johannesburg. the people of south africa lining up for miles allowed to vote for the first time. and nelson mandela, among them. it was a milestone filled with symbolism. a black man, former political prisoner, about to become president. >> it was exciting to be able to exercise a right which in my 76 years was denied to me. i felt very excited, it was as i already said, the realization of a long cherished dream. >> south africa belongs to all its people, bl

nelson mandela. i want to say a few worts words to whom mr. nelson mandela was although i think we know. he was born in july of 1918 and pass away december 25th at the age of '95 years old. he was a politician and philanthropist and most importantly president of south african that heer e he was south africa's first elected in democratic elections. he focused on dismanlz awe pardon and inkwaem e equality and participated in reconciliation not only in his own country but around the world. he had a role in the bombing trial and was a participant in the trial. nelson mandela received over one hundred and 50 peace prices. so he's an icon in his legacy has helped us including he at the ports waterfront i hope it's already to yearn in his memory >> any public comment on the executive directors report. >> i'd like to speak to nelson mandela. our union the international longshoreman union we're the only union in 1984 that spoke out against awe pardon it was a very broadly bold and we spoke out and there's a ship at the pier 80 that was alter south africa and our union reviewed to unload that ship

mrs. nelson mandela. so we were welcoming them home. we have a lot of memories. we have to be mindful of and carry on, and apartheid is gone in this country. he became the president. i mean that's just something in itself. spending all that time in jail, and he would not give up, he would not give in, and he was steadfast. we could all learn something from these examples. >> right. with the apollo theater, thank you so much. really finding out for some people, and just sharing some memories. continue to talk to people and share those stories back to you. >> sot great many stories, thank you very much. he said, nelson mandela was a stranger to hate. he favored reconciliation. rereligious wishing his office and ensuring there would be a safe transfer of power. he is the president and ceo of the urban league, and we are pleased to have you with us tonight. share you feelings. >> nelson mandela was indeed one of the most influential people in the 20th century. and it's important to remember his journey from an activist lawyer who was jailed for 27 years. who emerged

mr nelson mandela have put in from the ground while its leaders have expressed sorrow to the loss of an influential courageous anti apartheid icon. this in mind that i was a triumph for justice and the tone for a fisherman inspiration. daniel rode alone one which he introduced by his is set for his stuff. when german eighteen twenty two and three today's gone home. we've lost one of the most influential. courageous whimper from a good human beings that many of us will share time with on this earth he no longer was asked. he belongs to the ages the light. one of the bright just likes of apollo has gone by. nelson mandela was told just to hear it was on top wanna hear it all looks the first president of bubble free south africa the man who suffered so much for freedom and justice the man who threw his dignity. through his trial inspired millions. with all the force of the police and the funny part i with a strong will. nation building he made a major achievement focus on the recon see the apron of the people he was a great leader the darkroom. the two kong and it's pretty good idea gia

mr. nelson mandela. >> the design he wanted was a radical departure from the suited politician look he hadsed from prison in 1990. >> he wanted a signature look to be cool in both senses. >> we wanted to break the norm as well of how people have been looking in terms of the statesman. >> so the madiba shirt came to be, often in a carefully chosen african print. >> but with a formal button color, hidden buttons, worn loose, not tucked in, it led to some interesting conversations between at a. >> tailor and client. >> you can pick up this one, and well, what do you expect that i will wear with it? >> reporter: and it worked. there was never a problem spotting mandela in a crowd. the shirt made him identifiable and accessible, grand mandela and the look became grand south africa. >> when he had this shirt, he carried the aspirations of the people, the poor, the rich, the continent. >> a shirt will do that? >> the shirt managed to do that. >> although the shirt had help. >> the shirt could not do it on its own. it took the person inside could not carry that kind of message. >> and the shirt an

it took a bit of time, but we succeeded. >> was nelson mandela forceful in that regard? >> very much so. i mean, he and mr sulu were the leaders. susulo was the father-figure. they were different personalities. >> if you call susulo the father, what would nelson mandela be? >> the elder brother. >> the elder brother - in captivity, resolute and calm. challenging procedures, rejecting intimidation, qualities that help make him the president of south africa. how will his fellow prisoner remember him. >> i'd say courageous, selfless, prepared to sacrifice everything for what he considered to be the cause of the people, of all the oppressed people in this country. he had tremendous foresight not only in regard to south africa, but internationally as well. a caring, compassionate person. he would put his own personal concerns into backburner when he sees his first duty was towards fellow prisoners. and that over and over again. he had problems. there was family detentions, bannings, all that. that never interfered with what he considered to be his responsibility towards us. he went through everything with us a

mr. mandela, mr. nelson mandela.s into south africa. >> we have seen our political emancipation. liberate all of our people from the continues holds of poverty and other discrimination. never, never, and never again that this beautiful land will obtain the spirit, the oppression of one by another, can suffer the indignity to things to come of this world. >>> i have said it, the idea of a democratic and peaceful -- in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. this is an ideal which i hope to live for. and to go and see what, if need be, it is an ideal for which i am prepared to die. >> in the final years of mandela's life, private plans were being made between the government and military and his family as they were preparing for a fitting farewell for a man of his greatness. thousands, detailed accounts of his first ten days. i should say thousands are going to congregate, to get together to commemorate this great man. it's going to take ten days. it's a very specific unfolding of the cerem

i had the privilege to cook mr nelson mandela's first meal out of imprisonment.they were there to discuss negotiations for his relief. >> 3 o'clock in the afternoon there was a lot of strange characters with weapons, checking you out, making sure that the food that your people taste the food. >> the meal itself was simple. the south african version with mixed berries. >> what's it like for you to create this? >> this is the most important meal i have cooked in my life. it shows freedom, it shows forgiveness and for me it's an emotional and special meal and day for me. >> once the food had gone out marquets said he was able to sneak a peak. >> i had a chance to get out and look and show him. he looks very relaxed. same demeanour, same beautiful smile that he had and forgiving. that is the picture that i saw and the forgiveness in his eyes. >> simply but special. >> simply meal, permanent inference. >> so it was just, you know, an unbelievable experience. once every century you'll see a man like nelson mandela who can change the world. it was a beautiful experience

mr. nelson mandela will be released from the prison on sunday, the 11th of february, at about 3:00 p.m. >: the a in -- anc has its own concerns about what they will find in a freed mandela. >> some feel maybe we have built this man up and put him on such a high pedestal that if and when he's released, we may find him such a disappointment. >> reporter: february 11th, 1990, after 27 years in prison, the questions regarding the hopes and dreams of a nation will be addressed. >> and this crowd's just going wild. >> there's mr. mandela, a free man, taking his first steps into a new south africa. >> this man walking out of prison who seemed unbowed, who still seemed heroic, who seemed optimistic. >> that is the man who the world has been waiting to see. his first public appearance in nearly three decades. >> the whole country went bananas. i mean, it just went crazy. >> joy, exhilaration, the jubilation in the streets, people crying, people dancing. >> we thought, this is a true cause for optimism. here's a true and great leader. it was a very inspiring moment for millions and millions of peop

mr. nelson mandela will be released at the staff prison. >> reporter: it was an amazing moment when mandelaked out of prison. on february 11th, 1990. the world rejoiced. he worked with his former enemy to move toward free elections and the end of apartheid. he and frederik willem de klerk were jointly awarded the nobel peace prize in 1993 and the following year this, the world again looked on in wonder and joy as millions of black south africans lined up to vote for the first time. nelson mandela was elected president in a landslide. >> so help me god. >> reporter: a few months later at his inauguration attended by scores of world leaders, he declared a new era for his beloved country. >> never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. >> reporter: terry moran, abc news. >> now what happens next is nelson mandela's body has already been moved to the hospital. he will be given a state funeral. not only that, but all of the flags will be at half staff until the funeral is over. there's a ten-day mourning period for south africans, which

nelson mandela. > >> your realtime captioner is mrs. linda m. ald >>> tributes are pouring out around the world for nelson mandela. a look back at what granted a bay area a visit from the leader. >> and the game changing break in a cold case that led police to a suspect nearly 20 years after a bay area teen's disappearance. >> freezing temperatures and a storm we'll talk about that coming up. >> the roads look good heading into and out of san francisco but some of our travel times ar building. >>> i'm michelle griego. >> hi, everyone. i'm frank mallicoat. it's nearly 5:30. kiet do is freezing in san jose right now. tgif, kiet! >> reporter: enjoying use that term loosely. there's not a lot of frost to knock off your car but check it out. it's actually coming off pretty easy just a light brushing with your hand. it's not going to be so bad going to work. for some businesses, though, the cold weather is profitable. >> the temperature is dropping and that means cold, hard cash. at pelican rocking in walnut creek sweaters are selling briskly. >> sales

i believe mr nelson mandela had a lot to do with that. >> you met him three times. >> briefly on three occasions, once in london, once at a little school at the start of my professional career, and once 10 years ago on his 85 years at at a university where they celebrated his birthday. all threes times, you cannot help but know you are in the presence of something very unique. >> it's extraordinary. >> it's more than power, more than charisma. it's a sense of - sounds almost idiotic or inane to say it. it's a sense of a great love emanating from him. the spirit. he was a great spirit. >> talking of being great spirits and how this is playing out and we have had - it will be - by the time he's buried it will be 10 days after he died. he'll go to qunu, where he grew up. the libyan leader has just arrived at the stadium. how do you think it will play out between the old traditional values and current values, different cultures. how will that play out during the funeral. >> i think a lot of what is happening in the 10 day period leading to the burial is meant to be public and allow the sou

mr. nelson mandela was a friend of the chinese people in a household name in china. as one of the founding fathers, he had committed himself to friendship with great passion. the chinese people will always cherish the memory of his important contribution to china and south africans friendship and relations. [speaking in native tongue] [speaking in native tongue] [speaking in native tongue] >> translator: we are deeply saddened on the loss of such a great friend and at the same time, we are happy to see that his course will be carried forward. and this is a major emerging country and actively upholding the interests of developing countries. [speaking in native tongue] [speaking in native tongue] [speaking in native tongue] [speaking in native tongue] >> translator: made the deceased rest in peace of the living move on with life. the best way to remember and commemorate mr. mandela is due carry forward his legacy and the south african people will continue to make big strides forward along the path of rejuvenation and development. we remain a strategic partner to bring

nelson mandela. people have been participating in a national day of prayer. on tuesday there will be memorial service open to the public and heads of state at johannesburg main soccer stadium. mring moved to the village of kun, where he grew up, where next sunday nelson mandela will be laid to rest. as for this sunday, countless americans here at home are reflecting on nell san mandela's legacy. wand that in mind we turn to bob schieffer in washington for look what's ahead on "face the nation." >> schieffer: good morning, charles. we're going to talk to the poet mya angelo about the epic poem she has written to mark the passing of nelson mandela. >> osgood: we'll be watching. nextk, wee here on "sunday morning." >> never so alive -- thank you. >> osgood: the real tale of charles dickens. >> you get the sense of furious energy in a way. man who can't stop. >> osgood: with actor ray finnes. anything we purchase c we leave you this sunday back in south africa at cougar national park. i'm charles osgood. please join us again next "sunday morning" until then i'll see you on the radio. know the feeling? copd includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. spiriva is a once-daily inhaled

mr. speaker, on behalf of the democrats, i want to add our voice to the many tributes to nelson mandela, the father of modern south africa. our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones, the people of south africa and everyone around the world grieving his loss. mr. speaker, nelson mandela's message transcended the boundary of nations, people, colors and creelds. creeds. and his character transcended boundaries too. he was a politician, but appeared to be free of all the pettiness of politics. he was a warm human being with a mischievous wit and yet seemed to rise above the normal human frailties of anger and hurt. he was a man who was well aware of his place in history, but he didn't want to be placed on a pedestal and was humble at all times. so with qualities like this, it is little wonder that millions of people who did not meet him in person nonetheless feel they have lost a hero and a friend. i never had the privilege of meeting nelson mandela myself, but like so many people, i almost feel as if i had. he clearly made a huge impact on all of those he did meet. i remember padd

mr. mandela arrived today he said to our producer and said what is the subject of today's show? [ applause ] and she said nelson mandela. you are the subject of today's show. and he goes, oh, all right. >> she credits mandela as the inspiration for her school for girls in south africa. our coverage of nelson mandela's life and death continues later this half hour as we hear from mandela's jailer who describes their unusual and long-lasting friendship. you want to keep it here on abc news all morning long. >>> all right. we will turn to other major headlines beginning with something of a reversal by the white house involving the president's uncle who had been facing deportation from the u.s. omar and the president had never met but they said he lived with him three weeks while attending law school. it came after the judge ruled he could stay ignoring a deportationing order two decades ago. >>> libyan government says so far no one claimed responsibility for shooting an american teacher to death as he jogged through the streets of benghazi. despite threats. he chose to stay and teach high school chemistry. his wif

mr. nelson mandela. [applause] >> your majesties, your royal highnesses, distinguished guests, comrades, and friends, today, all of us do, by our presence here, and by our celebrations in other parts of our country and the world confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. our daily deeds as ordinary south africans must produce an actual south african reality that will reinforce humanity's belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul, and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all. all this we owe both to ourselves and to the peoples of the world who are so well represented here today. to my compatriots, i have no hesitation in saying that each one of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld. each time one of us touches the

mr. nelson mandela, a freeman taking his first steps into a new south africa. >> extraordinary moment, nelsonla freed after 27 years in captivity. four years later, the first black president in south africa stepping down after five years. his retirement was busy working for world rights, world peace and working for aids and charity. richard branson joins me. richard, you knew nelson mandela over the course of many years and worked on nonprofits together. his sense of compassion to me is something i always found extraordinary, his ability to not have hate in his heart for those who oppressed not on him but generations of black south africans. >> it was absolutely remarkable, and i think something that other nations should learn by. i mean, 27 years in prison, not just himself but hundreds of black activists, many people like steven b. comb, you know, killed horribly and decide to forgive those people, and they set up truth and reconciliation courts where those people have to come to apologize to the relatives of those people that they might have committed dreadful crimes to and in the process

mr. mandela is the greatest person to have walked the face of the earth in human history. >> reporter: an icon not only for his fellow countrymen -- >> viva mandela! viva! >> reporter: -- but for the entire world. "nelson mandela." >> ladies and gentlemen. >> this is "headliners "headliners & legends" with lester holt. >> he is lauded the world over as a man of peace, a champion for the downtrodden. he suffered at the hands of racism and endured decades in prison only to emerge with his dignity intact, his spirit unbroken freedom fighter, ex-prisoner, nation builder. nelson mandela's legacy serves as a shining example not only for the people of the world today but for generations to come. >> reporter: nelson mandela's life begins far away from the turmoil, struggles and ultimate triumphs that will define his life. here in the transsky province of south africa, 550 miles south of johannesburg, mandela is born on july 18th, 1918. the name he is given will prove in a sense prophetic. >> nelson mandela's name is holy machel which we translate as troublemaker. >> reporter: he was given the name melson in missionary school lives a quiet, simple life. >> he lived in a tiny, tiny village. there was no running

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nelson mandela. joining us is one man who understands the south african leader's saifice. he spent six years imprisoned on robben island with mrela. he later established the nelson mandela foundation. he joins us now on the line from johannesburg. you heard us have the conversation that mr. mandela had been sick for such a long time. but that hadn't lessened the shock for some and certainly the great sad inside at his passing. tell me what went through your mind when you heard he had died. >> it was a very sad, i knew that mr. mandela was in poor health, for some reason, i expected him to live longer. i don't joined all the people around the world at his passing. >> yeah. as we told our view ertz, i were imprisoned on robben island with him. you are one of the few that saw him and knew of his time, while incarcerated. share us your memories of him during that time. >> the odd thing is that when i met him for the first time, this was in 1987, i didn't recognize that i was reaching mr. mandela. i thought i was just meeting one prisoner who obviously was there, the pictures i had seen before my imprison. and the man who was stand

mr. speaker, i rise to honor nelson mandela. when i first met mandela, i felt like i was touching the spirit of grathe greatness. he was tall, graceful with the calm spirit of the dalai lama. he was one of those rare individuals, like gandhi, lincoln or king, who came, who come along only once in a generation and who are a blessing to all humanity. they teach us not just to liberate the body, but to free our minds and unleash the power of the human spirit. this weekend i had the honor of traveling with members of the house and one member of the senate to attend official memorial service in south africa. i would like to thank you, thank the speaker, his staff for working with chairwoman fudge to ensure that congress was represented at this global tribute. tonight i express my deepest sympathy to the family and friend of president mandela. the people of south africa and the global community have lost a giant of a man who embodied grace, dignity and peace. he just walked out of prison after 27 years without any bitterness, hostilit

mr. nelson mandela a free man taking his first steps into a new south africa. >> south africa and the world mourns the loss of a hero and an icon. nelson mandela was 95. he spent decades fighting apartheid in his native south africa. >> i'm anne makovec live in the newsroom. as the world remembers mandela, we here in the bay area remember his-historic visit to the east bay and congressional legislation and divesting in south africa. >> reporter: bundle up. it is still cold out here. i'm kiet do. we have a live report. >>> yeah, freezing temperatures again around the bay area. freeze warnings are up. what a chilly day. this is the third day in a row of freezing temperatures showing up outside. some of those numbers dropping off under clear skies this morning into the 20s and 30s. now 23 in santa rosa. 28 in concord. 39 in san francisco. and 30 degrees in livermore. so a very cold start to the day again freeze warnings until 9:00. then clouds roll in in the middle of the day. plan on highs only in the 40s and 50s. this afternoon we could see a little rain. and then tonight, cold enough to see

mr. mandela. >> a solute from mr. nelsonis wife winnie, greeting the people outside the fences of the prison. that is the man the world has been waiting to see. his first public appearance in nearly three decades. >> when nelson mandela walked free out of prison, the people of south africa were free. but when he walked out, everyone was walking on air, and it was a -- the most joyous moment of all our lives. >> today the majority of south africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. >> after 27 years, nelson mandela was free and south africa has taken its first steps towards democracy but those decades in prison took a toll on his health and his family. . >>> one of the saddest moments in my>>> one of the saddest mom in my life in prison was the death of my mother. she came a couple tough times to visit me, but the last time she came to see me, as she left i looked at her and she walked up. i have the feeling that i have seen her for the last time and that was the case. the shattering spirit of the deat

nelson mandela did. there are signs of hope across the whole continent. mr. speaker, around the world there are already monuments existed of nelson and della. -- mandela. one part must be to radically -- rededicate ourselves to eradicating poverty and conflict in africa and which are sore commitment -- hours or commitment make sure britain plays the whole part. it must be a lesson that he taught us that those -- there is dignity and work in every human being. an ounce of humility is worth more than a ton of might. lasting long-term change needs patience. that change can come with determination and sacrifice. it is with sadness that we meet here today to remember nelson mandela. >> he is an enduring and unique symbol of courage, hope, and the fight against injustice. he teaches us the power of forgiveness showing no bitterness towards his captors that can be so much better if all of its people can be free. he demonstrates even to the most skeptical the power of people and politics to change our world . that is why we get here today. from a half of my party, i s

mr. mandela, nelson mandela, president mandela, revolutionary mandela saved the future of south africa the moment he ascended to the heights of his own presidency and he embraced white south africans because he understood that the economy of south africa would not do well without the intentions of those white south africans being brought into the larger circle of south african economic and political privilege. so he understood that. but at the same time what he understood is that justice had to be done and that black people who had been long denied must now be recognized as human beings. so he didn't dismiss the humanity of white people, he embraced it by insisting that the humanity of black africans could be joined with the humanity of white africans and others. so they will remember him if they are righteous as a man who indeed saved their nation. >> all right. dr. eric dyson, please stay with us. joining me now someone who was outside the home in johannesburg, south africa. if you could tell us the scene outside the mandela home and the reaction of those who are outside the home tonight

mr. mandela was. >> reporter: nelson mandela may have passed away, but his passion for dialogue his indomminable spirit and captivating wisdom are here to stay. mitsuko nishikawa, nhk world, tokyo. >>> violence continues in the central african republic, fierce fighting between rival forces has reportedly left at least 100 people dead. armed militants attacked three muslim-controlled locations in the capital bangui, with machine guns and rocket launchers. the muslim side says christian militants were behind the attacks. the minority muslims seized the capital in march, they then declared the establishment of an interim government. the country fell into chaos after muslim forces ousted the president. this led to repeated clashes with christian militants. looting and vandalism are rampant as most government troops and police have fled the city. about 460,000 people are seeking refuge inside and outside the country. >>> the u.n. security council is taking steps to get the situation under control. it has authorized african and french troops are sent to the country to help restore security and public order.

. ♪ free free nelson mandela >> mr. nelson mandela will be released. >> good evening. is nelson mandela's first full day of freedom. >> reporter: released at the age of 72 in 1990. he remained ever vigilant that his country and its freedoms rested in the hands of the people. >> i stand here before you, not as a prophet. but as a humble servant. >> reporter: and for the people of south africa, mandela's release after nearly 30 years of imprisonment ushered in a new era of hope and the end of apartheid. >> today, the majority of south africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. >> reporter: in 1993, mandela, along with south africa's president, f.w. de klerk, won the nobel peace prize. and in 1994, mandela's dream was realized when black south africans cast their first ballots in a democratic election. and mandela became south africa's first black president. >> we are all south africans. we have had a good fight. but now, this is a time to heal the old wounds and to build a new south africa. >> reporter: after ruling for five years -- >> africa. >>

. >> i saw this big man standing in front of me and i looked up and saw it was nelson mandela i said "good afternoon, mrmandela." he said "the name is nelson. welcome." so we became friends. >> reporter: for 18 of the 27 years he s:e mandela walked down this corridor everyday and at the end of this walk there was no freedom, there was this. an eight foot square cell with a mattress on the floor for his bed and a bucket for a toilet. mandela was allowed one visitor a year for half an hour. mandela and daniels were among 30 political prisoners isolated in what was simply called "b" block. >> we sat on the brick. >> reporter: mandela and his fellow inmates worked long days in the yard sitting on bricks ordered only to look straight ahead they smashed slate into gravel with hammers. black inmates wore short pants in all weather. the apartheid regime's way of reminding them that all black men were considered boys no matter what their age. the yard is now just another stop on the robben island tourist route. but no visitor can imagine what it meant to eddie daniels when his jailors allowed the "b" block priso