Nelson Mandela was the glowing beacon of hope, shining across South Africa and the world, whose 27 years in jail left him without a trace of bitterness or hatred against those who practised the evil of apartheid.

South Africans are celebrating how far they have come since Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom 20 years ago today.

THERE was one prerequisite for journalists reporting on Nelson Mandela in the heady and chaotic days after his release from 27 years in South African jails: A fast car.