The series where people recall a moment in recent Welsh history and can say "I Was There". This episode goes back to 1998 and the day one of the greatest icons of the 20th century came to Wales.

The leaders of the European Union had gathered for a summit in Cardiff in June 1998, where they took the opportunity to salute Nelson Mandela, who was in his final year as President of South Africa. Thousands gave him a rapturous welcome on his only visit to Wales. He accepted the Freedom of Cardiff and gave a speech that praised the people of Wales for their contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle.

Presenter Mai Davies invites four people who played their part in Mandela's visit to share their memories.

Gaynor Legall, Wales’ first female black councillor, and a driving force in the Welsh anti-apartheid movement, presented Mandela with a pictorial history of the Welsh campaign against apartheid. Former anti-apartheid activist, MP and government minister Peter Hain was a friend of Mandela and was chosen to escort him to Cardiff Castle. Once there, Russell Goodway took over hosting duties. As Cardiff Council leader at the time, Russell had arranged for Mandela to be given the Freedom of the City. And among the crowds that day, was a young Vaughan Gething, representing the students of Wales as NUS President.

All four describe the mesmeric impact Mandela made that day and the bigger legacy of his visit for Wales. Show less