The Election That Changed it All

One of the most significant outcomes of ending apartheid in South Africa is the first multiracial election held in April of 1994.  More than 17 million black South Africans began voting for a new government official. 

Nelson Mandela winning the election was also significant because at the time Mandela had just recently been released from prison after spending over 27 years imprisoned.  When Mandela won he became the first colored South African president. The three politicians running were Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, and Mangosuthu Butheizi. Mandela was the only colored of the three running. It has been said that together Klerk and Mandela transformed their country abolishing apartheid and creating a more multi-racial democracy.  A quote from Klerk says  "Although we were political opponents - and although our relationship was often stormy - we were always able to come together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the negotiation process.” Their relationship with each other says a lot of their character because even though they didn’t like each other at times and didn’t approve of some of the things the other did, both men knew how to come together and change their country for the better. They both knew how to put their problems aside when needed and fight against a greater opponent together.

After three centuries of white rule Mandela was finally elected. His ANC party won 252 out of 400 seats. Mandela’s inauguration was held at the Union building’s amphitheater in Pretoria. There he was sworn in pledging his allegiance followed. "I do hereby swear to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and do solemnly and sincerely promise to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may harm the republic... and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and all its people." After his inauguration many people of all races came to celebrate as one, together.The Election That Changed it All

One of the most significant outcomes of ending apartheid in South Africa is the first multiracial election held in April of 1994.  More than 17 million black South Africans began voting for a new government official. 

Nelson Mandela winning the election was also significant because at the time Mandela had just recently been released from prison after spending over 27 years imprisoned.  When Mandela won he became the first colored South African president. The three politicians running were Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, and Mangosuthu Butheizi. Mandela was the only colored of the three running. It has been said that together Klerk and Mandela transformed their country abolishing apartheid and creating a more multi-racial democracy.  A quote from Klerk says  "Although we were political opponents - and although our relationship was often stormy - we were always able to come together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the negotiation process.” Their relationship with each other says a lot of their character because even though they didn’t like each other at times and didn’t approve of some of the things the other did, both men knew how to come together and change their country for the better. They both knew how to put their problems aside when needed and fight against a greater opponent together.

 

After three centuries of white rule Mandela was finally elected. His ANC party won 252 out of 400 seats. Mandela’s inauguration was held at the Union building’s amphitheater in Pretoria. There he was sworn in pledging his allegiance followed. "I do hereby swear to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and do solemnly and sincerely promise to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may harm the republic... and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and all its people." After his inauguration many people of all races came to celebrate as one,             together.

As president Mandela did many great things for his country. He worked very hard to end apartheid in his nation. He received over 50 honorary doctorates from universities across the world. His foundation raised funds that helped Johannesburg’s poverty, as well as education and their struggle with the outbreak of HIV/ aids. As soon as Nelson Mandela was sworn in he mapped out the actions he was about to take in order to turn his nation around, which is shown in this statement from his inauguration.   “This is for all South Africans, an unforgettable occasion. It is the realization of hopes and dreams that we have cherished over decades. The dreams of South Africa, which represents all South Africans. It is the beginning of a new era. We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities, turmoil and conflict. We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation building. We sincerely hope that by the mere casting of a vote the results will give hope to all South Africans and make all South Africans realise this is our country. We are one nation. Our message is that the basic needs of the masses of the people must be addressed: the creation of jobs, of houses, the introduction of electricity, building of schools and hospitals, providing free, compulsory quality education, running water, paved roads. These are our priorities. But we are also concerned about the minorities in the country - especially the white minority. We are concerned about giving confidence and security to those who are worried that by these changes they are now going to be in a disadvantaged position. I again repeat that I have throughout my life as I pointed out in the Rivonia Trial: I have fought very firmly against white domination. I have fought very firmly against black domination. I cherish the idea of a new South Africa where all South Africans are equal and work together to bring about security, peace and democracy in our country. I sincerely hope that the mass media will use its powerful position to ensure that democracy is installed in this country. And I thank you.”

In my opinion, Nelson Mandela’s election was one of the best things that happened to South Africa. He made a significant impact fighting against apartheid and without him the country would probably be in an even worse place. A recommendation for further studying this topic would be studying more into F. W. de Klerk and Mandela’s life and how they became such influential people.  

As president Mandela did many great things for his country. He worked very hard to end apartheid in his nation. He received over 50 honorary doctorates from universities across the world. His foundation raised funds that helped Johannesburg’s poverty, as well as education and their struggle with the outbreak of HIV/ aids. As soon as Nelson Mandela was sworn in he mapped out the actions he was about to take in order to turn his nation around, which is shown in this statement from his inauguration.   “This is for all South Africans, an unforgettable occasion. It is the realization of hopes and dreams that we have cherished over decades. The dreams of South Africa, which represents all South Africans. It is the beginning of a new era. We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities, turmoil and conflict. We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation building. We sincerely hope that by the mere casting of a vote the results will give hope to all South Africans and make all South Africans realise this is our country. We are one nation. Our message is that the basic needs of the masses of the people must be addressed: the creation of jobs, of houses, the introduction of electricity, building of schools and hospitals, providing free, compulsory quality education, running water, paved roads. These are our priorities. But we are also concerned about the minorities in the country - especially the white minority. We are concerned about giving confidence and security to those who are worried that by these changes they are now going to be in a disadvantaged position. I again repeat that I have throughout my life as I pointed out in the Rivonia Trial: I have fought very firmly against white domination. I have fought very firmly against black domination. I cherish the idea of a new South Africa where all South Africans are equal and work together to bring about security, peace and democracy in our country. I sincerely hope that the mass media will use its powerful position to ensure that democracy is installed in this country. And I thank you.”

In my opinion, Nelson Mandela’s election was one of the best things that happened to South Africa. He made a significant impact fighting against apartheid and without him the country would probably be in an even worse place. A recommendation for further studying this topic would be studying more into F. W. de Klerk and Mandela’s life and how they became such influential people. 

Sources:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/south-africa-holds-first-multiracial-elections

http://www.sahistory.org.za/elections-post-apartheid-south-africa

http://blog.oup.com/2012/04/south-africa-holds-first-multiracial-election/  

Meredith W.

1A