Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist and former President of South Africa, expressed gratitude to various international leaders and the global community for their support during the struggle against apartheid and for their efforts in advocating for the end of racial segregation and injustice in South Africa.
When Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and in the subsequent years leading to the end of apartheid and the establishment of democratic elections in 1994, he acknowledged the role of individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide in supporting the anti-apartheid movement. International leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens rallied against the discriminatory policies of apartheid, called for Mandela’s release, and demanded the dismantling of the apartheid system.
Mandela thanked the international community for several reasons, including:
Solidarity Against Apartheid: Mandela expressed gratitude to individuals, organizations, and nations for standing in solidarity with the people of South Africa in their struggle against apartheid. He acknowledged the global anti-apartheid movement, which included protests, boycotts, and campaigns to isolate the apartheid regime economically and diplomatically.
Pressure on the Apartheid Regime: International pressure played a crucial role in pressuring the apartheid government to negotiate an end to racial segregation. Sanctions and divestment campaigns, led by activists and supported by various governments, contributed to the isolation of the apartheid regime and its eventual willingness to engage in negotiations for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Advocacy for Mandela’s Release: Mandela specifically thanked those who advocated for his release from prison. His imprisonment had become a symbol of the broader struggle against apartheid, and calls for his release were widespread globally.
Support for Democratic Transition: Mandela appreciated the international support for the establishment of a democratic South Africa. After his release, he led the negotiations that eventually led to the country’s first multiracial democratic elections in 1994, in which Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa.
In summary, Mandela expressed gratitude for the global support that played a pivotal role in ending apartheid, securing his release, and facilitating the establishment of a democratic and inclusive South Africa.