Nelson Mandela The Struggle Is My Life Resource Type: Book Published: 1990 This is an updated account of Nelson Mandela's speeches and political writings from both his days as leader of the African Congress Youth League in 1944 to his release from prison in 1990. The excerpts from his trial are riveting and revealing of the governments mind-set on apertheid. Mandela emerges as a man with patience, thoughtfulness and character. The text is enhanced with an index and new photographs.