[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E738-E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INAUGURATION OF NELSON 
                  MANDELA AS PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the anniversary of 
the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, who 
was a leading antiapartheid revolutionary and philanthropist.
  On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela, a leading figure in the anti-
apartheid movement, was inaugurated as South Africa's first black 
President.
  The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings 
amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa; and politicians and dignitaries 
from more than 140 countries around the world were in attendance.
  This historic day, for the people of South Africa, signified a 
monumental shift towards progress and away from hatred for those once 
treated as second-class citizens.
  Nelson Mandela's historic election marked the end of an oppressive 
apartheid regime.
  His inaugural speech, addressing the South African people, called for 
the continuation of work towards national and social reconciliation.
  Jubilant scenes on the streets of Pretoria followed the ceremony as 
sects of all people celebrated together.
  More than 100,000 South African men, women, and children of all races 
sang and danced with joy.
  The crowd went wild when the new President, flanked by First Deputy 
President Thabo Mbeki and Second Deputy President FW de Klerk, appeared 
on the Botha Lawn.
  Ever aware of the past and the history that had brought him to this 
moment, President Mandela honored his predecessor, President FW de 
Klerk, by acknowledging the indispensable role he played in South 
Africa's transformation.
  Pursuing human rights through tireless efforts to create a better 
society, President Mandela's speech thematically echoed the importance 
of forgiveness for those previously committing many travesties on their 
brethren before the nation could begin to move forward.
  He also spoke of the human disaster that was apartheid, recounting: 
``We saw our country tear itself apart in terrible conflict . . . The 
time for healing of wounds has come . . . Never, never again will this 
beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.''

[[Page E739]]

  Even after his term concluded, President Mandela continued to 
dedicate his life as an advocate for peace and equality in Africa and 
throughout the world.
  The world mourned on December 5, 2013, the day Nelson Mandela passed, 
surrounded by his family at his Johannesburg home.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand in this chamber to honor President Mandela who 
was freed after enduring 27 years of imprisonment, who nonetheless 
managed to use his inaugural platform to inspire the world.
  President Mandela taught us that we all have the right to be free and 
the will to be compassionate.

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