Before he became president, Mandela was an active anti-apartheid activist and leader of the Umkhonto We Srei, the armed wing of the African National Congress. When he led the anti-apartheid movement, a South African court convicted him of conspiracy to overthrow the government. Based on the verdict, Mandela served 27 years in prison. After being released from prison in 1990, he turned to support mediation and consultation, and stepped up to lead South Africa during the transition period of promoting multi-ethnic democracy. Since the end of apartheid, Mandela has received praise from all walks of life, including former opponents.