Outside Mandela News Today

South african democracy did not descend into a cult of personality or dynasty. he was in this sense south africas george washington. as much as one man can shape a countrys future, nelson mandela did it for south africa, and in doing so, he also shaped the conscience of the entire world. lets get started. lets go live to johannesburg. were joined from outside mandelas home in johannesburg. robin, theres a lot of talk about prayer and reflection. today is the day of prayer and reflection, lots ...

That nelson mandela set. >> throughout the hour tonight and in our 10:00 hour tonight well talk to people that follow his journey and some who were privileged enough to share it. >> reporter: nelson mandela struggled for freedom, defined his life. he was born in the remote hills of south africas eastern cape. he was given the name that meant troublemaker. he was only given the name nelson by a schoolteacher later on. after moving to johannesburg and studying law, mandelas trouble making politics...

Because our competency-based curriculum gives you skills you can apply immediately, to move your career forward. to your point "c." capella university. start your journey at capella.edu. tonight the flags of the white house are at half staff. mandela earned the respect of countless other leadings including presidents past and present. take a look. >> i have just hung up talking to nelson mandela. i reached him, i believe, it was at the home of bishop tutu and i told him that all americans were...

Done it without each other. mandela in conversations with me for "a long walk to freedom" did feel betrayed during the creation of the constitution and that famous scene when they were writing the constitution he chewed out declerk. >> and declerk knows that. he said we have our spots. well take a break quick. robin, christiane, rick, donna, stay with us. tweet about your thoughts on mandela and his massing and legacy. use hash tag ac 36 0. charty and friendship. ill speak with mandelas group ...

A leader has to lead. >> reporter: a minister at the time and the eventual president, he remembers the encounter with the man he first considered a terrorist. >> my very first meeting with him, i didnt know what to expect and there he was standing straight up, tamer than i expected, being courteous, being of usually a man of integrity. >> reporter: in his own act of political bravery, they released mandela in 19 90. in the next four years, mandela spearheaded contusion and democracy and before s...

Edition of cnn "newsroom." south africans are in mourpging today as they grieve the death and honor the life and legacy of nelson mandela. here is the arc archbishop shopped desmond tutu just a few minutes ago. >> he listened and empathized with others. and restored others faith in africa and africans. >> outside mandelas home, today south african children marched and sang all in tribute to the countrys first black president. in johannesburg, people chanting and dancing joining in the ceremonial...

>> i dont regret it because the things that i did were things that pleased my soul, so i dont regret it. >> reporter: a man who went looking back over his life, acknowledged that sacrificing his family life was for the greater good. >> thank you, thank you. my blessings. >> robin joins me again from outside mandelas home. lessons on life, love and courage and cnn political commentator and professor ogletree and the author of "mandela struggles and triumph triumphs." youve been friends with and t...

A lawyer that he could find it in the courts but he had to fight it in the court of public opinion. he knew he had to bring allies to the table. he had to lead not just black people but he also had to form coalitions with white people, people of conscience and nelson mandela believed that if you want to convince your enemies, you have to work with your enemies. he understood that and he brought people together at the table to achieve those goals. i was struck whenever i had an opportunity to see...