On July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, South Africa, 76 years later he became South Africa’s first President of Colour. In the middle, however, Madiba, as he was affectionately called, spent twenty-seven years in jail; most of which was spent in the infamous Robben Island Jail.

His election marked the end of years of apartheid, as senior journalist Anand Sahay, says, “A separate way of life for coloured and non-coloured people.” 2018 is the marks the centenary year celebrations of the man who shaped modern South Africa. The country’s mint has released randelas, which are new notes with Mandela’s photo.

Anand Sahay was reporting from South Africa, in the lead up to the ‘all race elections’. In his time in SA, listen to his first-hand experience of attending Mandela’s press conferences and the special place South Africa envisioned for its relationship with India.