I remember how brutal and vicious the apartheid regime in South Africa was in the 70s and 80s. Despite woldwide condemnation I always thought Mandela was certain to die in prison. That he was eventually released seemed miraculous, but the transformation of the country that he inspired and led defied the wildest dreams.

His willingness to embrace and include those, who had oppressed him for seventy years was astonishing and accelerated the spread of justice, freedom and dignity in his country.