Celebrating 20 Years of Mandela Freedom! 1.06K Hamilton Nolan 02/11/10 10:07AM Filed to: anniversaries anniversaries Freedom Nelson Mandela South Africa Twenty years ago today, Nelson Mandela was released from prison in South Africa after 27 years. He was imprisoned thanks to apartheid, which has since been proven to be stupid. You know you need to watch Sarafina today, to celebrate.