20 years ago, former South African President Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He had spent 27 years behind bars, and his release came early in South Africa’s transition from an apartheid regime to a multi-racial democracy. Today, South Africa commemorates Mandela’s leaving Robben Island prison ? but for some, this is a bittersweet anniversary.

We speak with Fatima Meer, a friend of Mandela’s and author of “Higher Than Hope: The Authorized Biography of Nelson Mandela.” She witnessed Mandela’s release from prison. We also hear from James Robbings, BBC correspondent in South Africa.