    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 4, 1994]
    [Pages 1695-1696]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Nelson Mandela of South Africa
    October 4, 1994

        President Mandela, members of the South African delegation,
    distinguished guests, my fellow Americans, we are here to welcome Nelson
    Mandela back to the United States, but first, to the United States as
    the President of his nation.
        Now, all over the world, there are three words which spoken together
    express the triumph of freedom, democracy, and hope for the future. They
    are ``President Nelson Mandela.'' In you, sir, we see proof that the
    human spirit can never be crushed. For a half century, you pursued your
    ideals, keeping your promise never to surrender, risking all, despite
    danger. For 27 years, we watched you from your prison cell inspire
    millions of your people with your spirit and your words. And when you
    emerged, instead of retribution for past wrongs, you sought peace and
    freedom and equality for your people.
        You are living proof that the forces of justice and reconciliation
    can bridge any divide. Every day, you teach the world that those who
    build triumph over those who tear down, that those who unite can
    actually prevail over those who would divide. Your presence here and the
    growth of a new South Africa are stern rebukes to both the destroyers
    and the cynics of this world.
        The struggle in South Africa has always had a special place in the
    heart of America. For after all, we fought our own most terrible war
    here in our own land over slavery. And our own civil rights movement has
    taken strength and inspiration from and given aid to your fight for
    liberty. Americans take great pride in the role we played in helping to
    overturn apartheid and in supporting the free elections which produced
    your Presidency.
        Now we are working with you to build the new South Africa. The
    challenges you face, poverty, joblessness, homelessness, the despair
    born of long years of deprivation, are as large as they are difficult.
    But we know you will forge ahead, and we know that we here in the United
    States will also be better for your progress. For a thriving South
    Africa, spurring greater prosperity throughout the region, opening new
    markets, that makes us more prosperous, too. And a stable and democratic
    South Africa, working with its neighbors to restore and maintain the
    peace, that makes us more secure as well.
        And perhaps most important of all, in this age of ethnic, religious,
    and racial strife the world over, you can be our partner, and together
    our two nations can show the world that true strength is found when we
    come together despite our differences. We know and you know that
    diversity and progress can go hand-in-hand, indeed, that they must do so
    if we are to give all our people the chance to fulfill their God-given
    potential.
        Mr. President, you have brought forth a new nation, conceived in
    liberty and dedicated to equality. Today the American people welcome you
    here, and we salute your stunning achievement. We pledge, as you have
    pledged, that

    [[Page 1696]]

    we will walk every mile with you and that we will not grow weary on the
    way.
        I say to all of you here, Nkosi Sikelel' i Afrika. God bless Africa.
    And God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.