Mandela celebrates 20 years of freedom

CELEBRATIONS: Nelson Mendela has marked 20 years since his release from prison.

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Nelson Mandela, fellow veterans of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and family have raised glasses of bubbly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his release from prison.

Mandela was released on February 11, 1990 after 27 years in prison, most of it spent on Cape Town's Robben Island.

In video released from a celebration at his Johannesburg home on Thursday, Cyril Ramaphosa, an ANC leader who helped organise Mandela's welcome two decades ago, proposes a toast in which he says that Mandela remains an inspiration and that the sacrifices he made would never be forgotten.

Mandela's former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and some of their children and grandchildren joined the celebration.

Mandela, who turns 92 on July 18, has largely retired from public life.

- AP