South Africa celebrates 10th year of democracy; inaugurates Mbeki as president

Jet, May 17, 2004

South Africans robustly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the abolition of apartheid recently while nurturing democracy as they inaugurated President Thabo Mbeki to a second term.

Presidents, monarchs and hundreds of invited guests watched as Mbeki was sworn in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, where White minority leaders built the brutal system of racial repression that denied the vast majority of South Africans the most basic rights. Jubilation and pride were the order of the day as tens of thousands watched the event on giant screens.

After he was sworn in, a fighter jet in the colors of the national flag roared overhead and a 21-gun salute was sounded. Mbeki reviewed a military parade, and a concert featuring some 200 of the country's top musicians entertained the crowds on the lawns below.

During his address, Mbeki said all South Africans were obliged to work together to create a common destiny. He pledged that the country would never betray those who suffered and died to end apartheid.

"[South Africa] was a place where to be born Black was to inherit a lifelong curse ... It was a place in which those who cried out for freedom were promised and rewarded with the gift of the cold and silent grave ... We pledge to all the heroes and heroines who sacrificed for our freedom ... that we will never betray the trust you bestowed on us," Mbeki said.

He continued: "Today we begin our second decade of democracy. We are convinced that what has been achieved during the first demonstrates that as Africans we can and will solve our problems," Mbeki said. "Having served as the prime example of human despair, Africa is certain to emerge as a place of human hope."

His inauguration kicked off nationwide celebrations on Freedom Day, which commemorates the day in 1994 when South Africans of all races voted together for the first time and brought a peaceful end to nearly half a century of White rule.

A decade ago Nelson Mandela emerged from 27 years in prison to help end apartheid and was elected the country's first Black president. Now the 85-year-old anti-apartheid icon joined in the celebrations after the governing African National Congress (ANC) most decisive election victory ever (JET, May 10). He was greeted with wild cheers, songs and a standing ovation as he was helped up the stairs to sit with his wife, Graca Machel.

Also in attendance were the presidents of Zimbabwe, Congo and Nigeria, the kings of Lesotho and Swaziland. Among representatives from some 100 countries were the vice presidents of India and Iran.