Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, Nobel Laureate, and world acclaimed international statesman, celebrates his 90th birthday today. Find out more about his fascinating life the prominent role he played in bringing Apartheid to an end in South Africa.

When Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president of South Africa in 1994, he addressed the crowds at the Union Buildings in Pretoria: "We saw our country tear itself apart in terrible conflict ... The time for healing of wounds has come ... Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another."

Find out more about Nelson Mandela:
• Biography of Nelson Mandela
• Quotes by Nelson Mandela
• More Quotes by Nelson Mandela
• Quotes about Nelson Mandela

• View of Mandela's Cell at Robben Island Prison Museum, plus View 2, View 3, View 4, and View 5
• Take a photographic tour of Robben Island

• Moments in Apartheid: Mandela's Treason Trial

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Acting governor of the Cape, Sir Richard Borke, issues Ordinance 50, which repeals the Caledon Code of 1809 (which required all Khoi in the Cape to have a 'fixed place of abode'). Previously Khoi servants could only leave their place of employment if they carried a pass signed by their employers. Under Ordinance 50 'people of Colour' were no longer required to enter indentured labor contracts and were permitted to own land. Find out more about Ordinance 50.