Mandela's former prisons

The prison cell where Nelson Mandela was housed remains empty on March 15, 2009 on Robben Island near Cape Town, South Africa. 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]