[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       CONGRESSMAN HORN PAYS TRIBUTE TO DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AFRICA

                                 ______


                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of all South 
Africans who have struggled for justice and peace in their country. 
Their long struggle has been rewarded with the first truly democratic 
elections in South Africa, and all Americans should feel joy for the 
opportunity South Africans now have.
  Too often, events such as this are remembered merely as moments in 
history. As we have seen throughout the world, however, the nations of 
the world cannot celebrate a date and then ignore the realities of 
change. The end of the apartheid system in South Africa and the 
recognition of real democracy for all people in that nation make this 
indeed a time to celebrate. South Africans must face the sober 
realization, however, that much work lies ahead.
  With its electoral success, and the election of Nelson Mandela by the 
National Assembly to be President of South Africa, the African National 
Congress will now have to learn a new role--that of governing party of 
all South Africans, including whites and Zulus. Critical to its ability 
to govern will be how the ANC chooses to address explosive problems 
such as ethnic homelands, education, taxation, land redistribution, and 
the threat of terrorist organizations dedicated to toppling the new 
government.
  I congratulate the people of South Africa for their courage. Now, we 
must all pray for wisdom and patience on the part of the new 
government, and we must be prepared to help that fledgling government, 
from the level of the new President down to local officials in the new 
provinces. Promoting democracy has always been an ideal of the American 
people. With all champions of peace and justice, we look forward to the 
beginning of better times in southern Africa. My hope is that the joy 
of South Africa can lead to better times as well in the other troubled 
countries of that continent.

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