[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               SUPPORT SOUTH AFRICA AND PRESIDENT MANDELA

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday morning I was privileged to sit in 
the House of Representatives during a historic joint session of 
Congress addressed by President Nelson Mandela. As I submit this 
statement, I am awed at the transformation that has taken place in 
South Africa. From being a country where apartheid was an institution, 
a way of thinking, a way of life; where nonwhites had none of the 
inalienable rights of all human beings, South Africa has become a 
young, yet prospering democracy.
  South Africa's new President, Nelson Mandela, is a man who suffered 
for 27 years in prison for acting upon his belief that equality, 
freedom, and justice must govern his country. Nevertheless, as he 
explained yesterday to Congress, through years of suffering, Mr. 
Mandela retained ``the ability of the oppressed to forgive and accept a 
shared destiny with those who had enslaved him.''
  Now, as a popularly elected president he is showing a breathtaking 
ability to build coalitions with the former racist establishment. As 
for the rest of the population, he maintains the support of not only 
the nonwhite population but is increasingly popular among his former 
foes. Mr. Mandela is establishing a peaceful, harmonious society in 
South Africa that can move beyond its past, but never forget it--and 
always looking towards its future with ever increasing hope.
  On October 5, 1994, the House adopted House Resolution 560. With 
South Africa's history and remarkable progress in mind, this resolution 
commends the South African people for their commitment to replacing the 
racism and discrimination which has governed their nation and expresses 
support for President Mandela as he guides his people into the future. 
I was proud to cast my vote in favor of this legislation and will 
continue to do all in my power to see that equality and justice are the 
new foundations of South African democracy.

                          ____________________