Nelson Mandela - Madiba

After being silenced in jail for 27 years, Nelson Mandela made his first speech at the Grand Parade in Cape Town on the 11th of February 1990, to thunderous approval from the crowd.

"Friends, comrades and fellow South Africans. I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. I stand here before you, not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands."

"The march towards freedom and justice is irreversible...I have spoken about freedom in my lifetime. Your struggle, your commitment and your discipline has released me to stand before you today."

Nelson Mandela was South Africa's first democratically elected Head of State. His five-year presidency from 1994 to 1999 was regarded as one of reconciliation by both black and white South Africans. The people’s president was revered the world over for his fight against apartheid and commitment towards liberating all South Africans. Through his principled stance on various issues, South Africa's profile was enhanced internationally as a leading emerging democracy.

Additional info for Madiba

This is the name of the clan of which Mr Mandela was a member. A clan name is much more important than a surname as it refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended. It is considered very polite to use someone’s clan name.

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