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Nelson Mandela. Photo By OpenClipart-Vectors- Pixabay.
Top 10 Facts about the Nelson Mandela’s Inauguration
On May 10th, 1994, South Africa’s first black president took his seat as Head of State in a ceremony attended by prominent leaders and watched by over 150,000 people. In his speech, Mandela filled the hearts of South Africans and many others with hope and the spirit of a new South Africa (S.A).
Having spent 27 years in prison, Mandela’s zeal to fight for the rights of people of color inspired many activists to soldier on. Apartheid was declared illegal in 1990, and an interim constitution was put in place for the legal transition of the old government to the newly elected one. The first general election was held in 1994 where Mandela was elected as the president.
1. Mandela’s Inauguration Speech Is Listed As One Of South Africa’s Most Significant Speeches
The inauguration speech, Glory and Hope, was the collaborative effort of Mandela and Thambo Mbeki, his first deputy president. It articulated the struggle of black citizens, from racial discrimination to poverty, and the outlawing of South Africa from international organizations and other countries.
In the speech, Mandela spoke of rekindling international relationships and assured the people of a just and democratic South Africa. He acknowledged that the people’s time of change and renewal had come. Mandela also expressed his gratitude to South Africans for electing him as president and asked for cooperation in continuing to build peace and equality among all genders and races.
Read about the economic consequences of apartheid in South Africa here.
2. Mandela’s Inauguration Happened Two Weeks After The First Muti-Racial General Election
Ballot Box. Photo By Clker-Free-Vector-Images – Pixabay
Between April 26th and April 29th, citizens of S.A. made their way to the ballot for the first-ever multi-racial democratic elections. After forty-six years of racial segregation and discrimination, Mandela was elected president under the African National Congress party. His victory marked the culmination of the end of apartheid and the struggle for equality.
Mandela won against incumbent president F.W. de Klerk and Mangosuthu Buthelezi with 62% of the total votes. In December 1993, Mandela and De Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work toward a non-racist and non-gender-biased South Africa. F.W de Klerk served as the second deputy president alongside Nelson Mandela for two years.
3. It Was South Africa’s First and Largest Gathering Of International Delegates
Mandela’s inauguration was graced by dignitaries from Africa, Europe, Australia, and North America. There were more than 160 heads of state who attended the ceremony. For Mandela, his inauguration was an opportunity to unite South Africans with the rest of the world, and he was keen to invite all the leaders from African countries.
Fidel Castro (Cuba’s President), William Alexander of the Netherlands (Prince of Orange), Ezer Weizman (President of Israel), and Prince Philip from Britain attended the momentous occasion. African presidents in attendance were Daniel Arap Moi (Kenya) and Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe). Other prominent attendees were the U.N. Secretary-General and former Australian prime ministers.
4. It Was Attended By South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador and Iconic Musician
Miriam Makeba and Dizzy Gillespie in concert, Deauville. Photo By
Roland Godefroy – Wikimedia Commons
Civil rights activist and South African singer Miriam Makebe were present at Mandela’s inauguration. Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, contributed to anti-apartheid campaigns through her music. She is famously known for her role in the musical drama film Sarafina! (1992), which was inspired by the Soweto Uprising, a protest against apartheid, that took place in 1976.
Makeba moved to New York in the 1960s after gaining international recognition for her craft. However, her visa got revoked because of her involvement with the civil rights movement. When apartheid was abolished, she returned to S.A., where she continued doing her music and acting. Mandela acknowledged that Makeba’s music evoked hope in the people of South Africa during their struggle for equality.
Read more on the Soweto uprising and other movements against apartheid in South Africa here.
5. Mandela’s Inauguration Was Initially Meant To Take Place In Cape Town
The Union Buildings in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. Photo Source Wikimedia Commons
The government had proposed that Mandela’s inauguration take place in a more confined setting, which was the Good Hope Centre, Cape Town. The political parties did not agree. They envisioned the ceremony at the administrative center, a venue that would hold the capacity of invited international dignitaries, special guests, and the public.
Eventually, the inauguration ceremony took place in where, for the longest time, had been a white-only space, Pretoria’s amphitheater. The sandstone arena was part of the Union building, one of South Africa’s national heritage. The building, which represents democracy, currently houses the president’s office and the parliamentary offices.
6. South Africa’s Flag Was First Publicly Flown On Mandela’s Inauguration
South african flag from the constitutional court. Photo Source Wikimedia Commons
As a symbol of post-apartheid national unity, S.A. embarked on designing a new flag, one that represented all of its people. It was introduced to the public on April 27th, 1994, as an interim flag during the democratic election but was flown publicly by the military forces at Mandela’s inauguration.
The flag was hoisted as they sang the national anthem. After Mandela’s speech, smoke trails of the official flag colors from a chevron of jets were displayed in the sky. Helicopters also hung the flag and flew above the amphitheater as the people cheered.
7. It Was The Launch of The Dual National Anthem
Before 1994, the national anthem of S.A. identified with only the white government. Die Stem van Suid-Afrika was the sole anthem from 1957 to 1994. However, the people of color had their liberation anthem Nkosi Sikelel I’Afrika.
After the democratic government took over, S.A. decided to merge the two. They adopted Nkosi Sikelel I’Afrika and retained Die Stem van Suid-Afrika. The dual anthem was first performed in Mandela’s inauguration ceremony and was used in its original state until 1997, when it was shortened.
Read more on the National Anthem of South Africa here.
8. Mandela’s Inauguration Was Dedicated To The Apartheid Anti-Activist
Frederik de Klerk with Nelson Mandela – World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 1992. Photo By World Economic Forum – Wikimedia Commons
In his speech, Mandela dedicated his inauguration to all the people who fought against apartheid locally and internationally. He acknowledged that South Africa had become a free state as a reward of their resilience and sacrifices. He also commended the incumbent president, F.W de Klerk for his partnership in ending apartheid.
9. All Religions Of South Africa Were Represented During Mandela’s Inauguration
Aside from swearing in of the government officials, the inauguration ceremony was also a time of dedicating and blessing the country in all the recognized religions of South Africa. The congregation was led in prayer by the religious leaders of the Jewish, Islam, and Catholic faith. All religions had prayers in their languages and a translated version in English.
10. Mandela Held The Hand Of His Two Deputies As A Symbol Of Unity
After his inauguration speech, Mandela, De Klerk, and Mbeki proceeded to the lawns of the arena, where he introduced them as his two deputies. In the spirit of unity, Mandela raised Thambo’s and De Klerk’s hands, relaying the message of victory and freedom to the people of South Africa.
Mandela’s inauguration was a pivotal moment for South Africa. It resonated with not only the people of S.A. but also the world entirely. Mandela and his fellow activist are commemorated in various cities for their resilient vision of a better South Africa. In his words, the Sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement!
