His Ex-Wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, one of the first to welcome him on his release, was one of thousands to re-enact his historic walk from a prison outside Cape Town, the ruling African National Congress said.
Veteran activist Cyril Ramaphosa told ™ for those who had at grounds of Victor Verster Prison that the day was one of celebration.
"We are celebrating a life that has been lived in service of our people. Our people kept Comrade Madiba Nelson alive," Mr Ramaphosa said using Mr. Mandela's clan name.
"They knew they needed to continue living for the people that were outside. Without the struggle of our people, Madiba would have never been released."
South African media also paid tribute, with some newspapers publishing special supplements. Most radio and television stations broadcast the live re-enactment from the prison.
Veteran anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada, released four months before Mr. Mandela, told journalists he knew Mr. Mandela would be freed soon after him.
"It was an emotional moment." When we were released, that was exhilaration, happiness, but at the same time sadness that we are released. Thurs prison We came together and we are leaving him behind, "the 80-year-old said.
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