Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 - 2013) is regarded as an icon of South Africa. His tumultuous life followed a breathtaking trajectory: cattle herder, night watchman, lawyer, freedom fighter, prisoner for over 27 years, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the first black president of South Africa. In his tireless struggle against the prevailing racial segregation and oppression, his weapon was the word. Mandela engaged in dialogue with former enemies and transformed an entire nation. Africa correspondent Bartholomäus Grill got to know Nelson Mandela personally and recounts how he advocated for a peaceful transition from the apartheid regime to democracy and called for reconciliation and non-violence.