Νέλσον Μαντέλα: Ο άνθρωπος που όλοι ήθελαν να συναντήσουν

Δεν υπήρχε άνθρωπος που να μη θέλει να σφίξει το χέρι του Νέλσον Μαντέλα. Πάντα προσιτός και μειλίχιος, είχε φωτογραφηθεί με πολιτικούς ηγέτες και προσωπικότητες, που ήθελαν να δουν από κοντά τον "φάρο" της ελευθερίας (Pics)

NEWSROOM
06 Δεκεμβρίου 2013 07:24

Ο πρώην πρόεδρος της Νότιας Αφρικής, Νέλσον Μαντέλα, ο οποίος έφυγε από τη ζωή το βράδυ της Πέμπτης, εκτός από μεγάλος ηγέτης, ήταν και πραγματικός σταρ.

Μετά από 27 χρόνια στις φυλακές, στις 11 Φεβρουαρίου 1990, ο Μαντέλα αποφυλακίστηκε, μία εβδομάδα αφότου ο πρόεδρος Φρεντερίκ ντε Κλερκ νομιμοποίησε το Αφρικανικό Εθνικό Κογκρέσο.

Μετά την αποφυλάκισή του και την απονομή του Νόμπελ Ειρήνης, από κοινού με τον πρόεδρο ντε Κλερκ, για τις προσπάθειές τους να καταργήσουν το απαρτχάιντ στη Νότια Αφρικής το 1993 όλες οι παγκόσμιες διασημότητες και πολιτικοί ήθελαν να του σφίξουν τα χέρια.

Από το 2004 ο Μαντέλα είχε περιορίσει σημαντικά τις δημόσιες εμφανίσεις και τις δραστηριότητές του γιατί, όπως είχε πει ο ίδιος, ήθελε να αφιερώσει περισσότερο χρόνο στην οικογένεια και τους φίλους του ωστόσο συνέχισε να φωτογραφίζεται με παγκόσμιες διασημότητες.

Nelson Mandela receives a bust of the late president John F. Kennedy from the president's brother Sen. Edward Kennedy, left, during a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy library in Boston Saturday, June 23, 1990. At far right is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Eunice Shriver, sister of Sen. Kennedy looks on behind Mandela. At right is Joe Kennedy II, son of Robert Kennedy. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με τον Ted Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis casts a smiling glance at Nelson Mandela, deputy president of the African National Congress, during Mandela's visit to the John F. Kennedy Library on June 23, 1990 in Boston. The Kennedy family has been a longtime opponent of South Africa's policy of apartheid. (AP Photo/Peter Southwick) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με την Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher shakes hands with ANC deputy leader Nelson Mandela inside 10 Downing Street, London, on July 4, 1990, prior to talks and a luncheon. Mandela is on a three-day visit to Britain as part of an extensive international tour. (AP Photo/Cleaver) AP

Με την Margaret Thatcher

Nelson Mandela shakes hands with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. in this 1990 photo. (Frederick Watkins, Jr./Ebony Collection) MANDATORY CREDIT EBONY COLLECTIO

Με τον Jesse JacksonFrederick Watkins,

Με την πριγκίπισσα Diana

President Bush greets South African leader Nelson Mandela on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 26, 1990. Mandela told Bush that support South Africa has received from the United States - particularly economic sanctions - have been crucial to promoting changes in his country. (AP Photo/Doug Mills) AP

Με τον George H. W. Bush

Golf superstar Tiger Woods smiles as he meets South African President Nelson Mandela at the presidential residence in Houghton, Johannesburg November 30. Woods came to South Africa to play in the One Million-Dollar golf tournament played in Sun City starting December 3. **DIGITAL IMAGE** - RTXHV40 Golf superstar Tiger Woods smiles as he meets South African President Nelson Mandela at the presidential residence in Houghton, Johannesburg November 30. Woods came to South Africa to play in the One Million-Dollar golf tournament played in Sun City starting December 3. **DIGITAL IMAGE** - RTXHV40

Με τον Tiger Woods

Pope John Paul II and South African President Nelson Mandela stand for national anthems after the Pontiff's arrival to Johannesburg Saturday, September 16, 1995. The visit marks the Pope's first official trip to South Africa. (AP Photo/John Moore) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με τον Pope John Paul II

South African President Nelson Mandela smiles with popular actor Sidney Poitiers as he talks at a news conference in Cape Town, Friday, May 17. 1996. Poitier is in South Africa starring in the leading role as Mandela, alongside Michael Caine, who plays former President F. W. de Klerk in "One Man One Vote". The film tells the story of the transition from a white minority government to black majority rule. (AP Photo / Sasa Kralj) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με τον Sidney Poitier

Με τους πρίγκιπα Charles, Scary Spice και Ginger Spice

Με τον Michael Jackson

** FILE ** In this Wednesday August 21, 1996, file photo Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, left, meets with President Nelson Mandela, right, in Cape Town South Africa. South Africa said Monday, March 23, 2009, it wanted to avoid being the source of bad publicity about trading partner China, and ended up itself the target of sharp criticism for barring the Dalai Lama from a peace conference in Johannesburg later this week. Friday's conference is now the target of a boycott by retired Cape Town Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former president F.W. de Klerk and members of the Nobel Committee who had been expected to be among Nobel laureates, Hollywood celebrities and other dignitaries discussing issues ranging from combatting racism to promoting sports to bring people and nations together. (AP Photo/Sasa Kralj, File) AP

Με τον The Dalai Lama

Barney, the purple dinosaur known by children around the world, is greeted by the South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg Monday, March 24, 1997 on the occasion of Barney's first visit to Africa. A donation was made in Barney's name to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. (AP Photo) Associated Press

Με τον Barney

Former South African president Nelson Mandela (L) meets with U.S. boxing promoter Don King at Nelson Mandela's Foundation in Johannesburg May 24, 2004. King was a guest of honour in a five-bout programme which was staged by South Africa's Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves at Carnival City in Brakpan last Saturday. REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya JN/CRB - RTRWZII REUTERS

Με τον Don King

President Nelson Mandela shares a joke with British Labour Party leader Tony Blair after their meeting, October 11. Blair is on a short visit to the country to attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Press Union. SAFRICA BLAIR - RTRUFL President Nelson Mandela shares a joke with British Labour Party leader Tony Blair after their meeting, October 11. Blair is on a short visit to the country to attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Press Union. SAFRICA BLAIR - RTRUFL

Με τον Tony Blair

Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, (R) shakes hands with Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, at a global health discussion in Seattle December 9. Mandela was invited to Seattle by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is spending three days meeting with community leaders. JC/BM - RTRT570 REUTERS

Με τον Bill Gates

South African President Nelson Mandela greets Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at the Tuynhuis at Cape Town airport June 13. Gaddafi arrived in South Africa on Sunday as retiring President Nelson Mandela's last official guest. PA/FMS - RTRQ033 REUTERS

Με τον Muammar Gaddafi

British model Naomi Campbell (L) and former South African president Nelson Mandela before his press conference in Barcelona June 30, 2001. Campbell and Nelson Mandela will attend a show called "Frock and Roll" this evening which will benefit Mandela's childrens' charity. PP03070060 GN - RTRK7SL REUTERS

Με την Naomi Campbell

South African President Nelson Mandela hugs Whitney Houston at the presidency on November 10, 1994. Houston is on a three-concert tour in South Africa. REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya - RTR1HC2A REUTERS

Με την Whitney Houston

South Africa's former President Mandela holds onto former pop star Lennox during the launch of the book "46664" in London. South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela (2nd L) holds onto former pop star Annie Lennox (R) while rock band Queen's guitarist Brian May (L) and singer Yusuf Islam smile during the launch of the book "46664" in London November 25, 2004. The book 46664, Mandela's prison number, is being sold to raise awareness and inspire acts to fight HIV/AIDS. REUTERS/Matt Dunham - RTRGPGY REUTERS

Με τους Annie Lennox και Yusuf Islam

U.S. talk show personality Oprah Winfrey with former South African President Nelson Mandela during the Agenda for Earth Turning Ceremony for The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in Henley on Klip south of Johannesburg December 6,2002. REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya JN/JV - RTREXUC REUTERS

Με την Oprah Winfrey

Britains Queen Elizabeth II (R) chats with South African President Nelson Mandela, at Windsor Castle, England June 15. Mandela later flew to Cardiff to meet with European leaders attending the Europe Summit. SR - RTREVUB REUTERS

Με την Queen Elizabeth II

Former President Nelson Mandela and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger hold a symbolic "Flame of Hope" at a ceremony outside Mandela's old prison cell on Robben Island. July 12, 2001. The event was part of the Special Olympics African Hope 2001 campaign which aims to reach out to athletes with mental retardation accross Africa. MH/GB - RTR14ASP REUTERS

Με τον Arnold Schwarzenegger

Με τον Bill Cosby

British heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis (R) shows Former President Nelson Mandela April 23,2001, his jaw were he took a knockout punch from challenger American Hasim Rahman in the fifth round of Sunday's heavyweight championship fight at Carnival City in Brakpan. Rahman, who scored one of boxing's biggest upsets, flew home to the United States after the fight. JN/ - RTR13ULV REUTERS

Με τον Lennox Lewis

South African President Nelson Mandela and pop singer Diana Ross embrace outside of Mandelas residence in Johannesburg April 8. Diana Ross is in South Africa to perform one concert at the official opening of the brand new leading venue in Gauteng, the MTN Sundome. SAFRICA ROSS - RTRD0SN South African President Nelson Mandela and pop singer Diana Ross embrace outside of Mandelas residence in Johannesburg April 8. Diana Ross is in South Africa to perform one concert at the official opening of the brand new leading venue in Gauteng, the MTN Sundome. SAFRICA ROSS - RTRD0SN

Με την Diana Ross

U.S. President George W. Bush meets with former South African President Nelson Mandela in the Oval Office of the White House, May 17, 2005. Mandela yesterday said that he backs Bush's call for global "liberty" but disagrees with some of his methods. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque KL/HB - RTRBFN3 REUTERS

Με τον George w. Bush

Former South African President Nelson Mandela holds hand with Hollywood actor and renowned rap star Will Smith. Former South African President Nelson Mandela (R) holds hands with Hollywood actor and renowned rap star Will Smith at the Mandela Foundation offices in Johannesburg September 16,2004.Smith is in South Africa to promote his latest film 'I-Robot', which opens on Friday. REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya - RTRAYQA REUTERS

Με τον Will Smith

Irish rock star Bono (R) and Former South African President Nelson Mandela pose after they met at Mandela's resident at Houghton in Johannesburg May 25, 2002. U.S.Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Bono are on a three-day visit to South Africa during a four nation African tour. PP03070060 REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya JN/AA - RTR5MLS REUTERS

Με τον Bono

The triple world heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield (L) and South African President Nelson Mandela face each other at Presidential residence in Johannesburg July 7. Holyfield on a short visit to South Africa, sponsored by Coca-Cola, visited President Mandela who leaves for an official visit to the United Kingdom tonight accompanied by Graca Machel. SAFRICA HOLYFIELD - RTR58CG The triple world heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield (L) and South African President Nelson Mandela face each other at Presidential residence in Johannesburg July 7. Holyfield on a short visit to South Africa, sponsored by Coca-Cola, visited President Mandela who leaves for an official visit to the United Kingdom tonight accompanied by Graca Machel. SAFRICA HOLYFIELD - RTR58CG

Με τον Evander Holyfield

Former South African President Nelson Mandela (2-L) listens to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (L) as actors Robert DeNiro (C) and Hugh Grant (R) sit with him at an event at New York's City Hall to launch the First Annual Tribeca Film Festival, May 8, 2002. The festival, which will showcase world premiere and independent films, was co-founded by DeNiro and Jane Rosenthall and will open with the premiere of the film "About a Boy" starring Hugh Grant. REUTERS/Mike Segar MS/HK - RTR4W5N REUTERS

Με τους Michael Bloomberg, Robert De Niro και Hugh Grant

Black Eyed Peas band members, left to right, Fergie, Taboo and William, meet with former President, Nelson Mandela, second from right, in Johannesburg, Monday, May 29, 2006. The band performed at a benefit concert in Johanensburg Sunday. (AP Photo/Russel Roberts) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με τους The Black Eyed Peas

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela and Oscar Pistorius Former South African President, Nelson Mandela with Oscar Pistorius, South Africa - 03 Oct 2008 Former South African President, Nelson Mandela congratulates Oscar Pistorius after winning three gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics (Rex Features via AP Images) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με τον Oscar Pistorius

Former South African President Nelson Mandela chats with England soccer captain David Beckham at Nelson Mandela's Foundation office in Johannesburg May 21,2003. England will play a friendly match against South Africa in Durban tommorrow. REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya PP03090058 JN/JV - RTR13N0I REUTERS

Με τον David Beckham

Michelle Obama and former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa Michelle Obama meets Nelson Mandela at Mandela's home in Houghton, South Africa - 21 Jun 2011 (Rex Features via AP Images) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Με την Michelle Obama

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Nelson Mandela, 94, former president of South Africa, at his home in Qunu, South Africa, August 6, 2012. Clinton praised the "beautiful" smile of her friend Mandela when they met at his country home on Monday during her multi-nation trade and security tour through Africa. Mandela, in failing health, has only seen a few visitors outside his family in recent years. During his 94th birthday celebration last month, the anti-apartheid leader met Hillary's husband and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. REUTERS/Jacquelyn Martin/Pool (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR369GI REUTERS

Με την Hillary Clinton