The time of apartheid in South Africa
When apartheid in South Africa was in full swing, I was very young. I do not actually remember much about that part of South Africa history. I was probably eleven years old when Nelson Mandela was freed after twenty seven years imprisonment. He is a great man and a role model to many people around the world. What I do remember is the tension in the air on the days leading to the first fair, inclusive, election on the 26-29 April 1994. This day marked the end of apartheid and more importantly, testified to the greatness of the human spirit. When Nelson Mandela spoke peace instead of revenge, he changed the way mankind measures forgiveness. Mr. Mandela's 'ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CAPE TOWN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INAUGURATION AS STATE PRESIDENT' - Cape Town, 9 May 1994: "Today we are entering a new era for our country and its people. Today we celebrate not the victory of a party, but a victory for all the people of South Africa. Our country has arrived at a decision. Among all the parties that contested the elections, the overwhelming majority of South Africans have mandated the African National Congress to lead our country into the future. The South Africa we have struggled for, in which all our people, be they African, Coloured, Indian or White, regard themselves as citizens of one nation is at hand." Two thing that I would advise you do when you get to
Cape Town;
take the
ferry to Robben Island
and check out the
Robben Island Museum.
I very much enjoyed the trip on Robben Island. It was a moving experience for me. Return from Apartheid in South Africa to Homepage
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