Nelson Mandela with his wife Winnie at his home in Soweto on Feb 15, 1990, a few days after his release from 27 years of imprisonment. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is known worldwide for his struggle to overthrow white racism in South Africa for 50 years (1944-1994) and winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. He spent 27 years in prison from 1962- to 1990, and finally became the first black president of the country, bringing a unified and democratic South Africa.[Photo/CFP]