![](https://world.time.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2013/12/1101900205_400.jpg?w=260)
In the walk-up to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after 27 years on Feb. 11, 1990, this article kicked off with key questions about South Africa’s future:
“Imprisoned for life for sedition, unseen and largely unheard from for more than 27 years, he is somehow expected to lead South Africa to salvation. But can any man perform that miracle? Is South Africa really ready to be led out of the wilderness of apartheid into the promised land of . . . of what? The black dream of a nonracial democratic society — in short, black rule? Or something less, a revision of the old system in which white power would not be transferred but only shared, in effect preserving white rights and privileges?”