Nelson Mandela statue unveiled in London: 29-08-2007
A new statue of former South African president Nelson Mandela has been unveiled in London's Parliament Square.
Nelson Mandela, his wife Graca Machel, prime minister Gordon Brown and London mayor Ken Livingstone were present at the ceremony revealing the nine feet bronze statue of the anti-apartheid activist, which will stand next to other famous leaders such as Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln.
Mr Mandela, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work, spent 27 years in prison for his actions on fighting apartheid in South Africa.
He became a cultural icon for the fight against apartheid around the world and following his release from prison in 1990, he was elected president of South Africa in the first fully representative democratic elections of the country.
Prime Minister Brown called Mr Mandela "the most inspiring leader of our generation" and Mayor Livingstone echoed his sentiments, adding: "Long after we are forgotten, you will be remembered for having taught the world one amazing truth. That you can achieve justice without vengeance. I honour you and London honours you."
Mr Mandela spoke modestly at the ceremony, saying: "Though this statue is of one man, it should in actual fact symbolise all of those who have resisted oppression, especially in my country."
South Africa is often referred to as a "Rainbow Nation" due to its diverse and multicultural population, following Mr Mandela's successful efforts to end apartheid. Landscape, plant life and animal species are also greatly varied, making South Africa a very unique country.
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