Showing posts with label NELSON MANDELA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NELSON MANDELA. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

U.S. CONGRATULATES REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ON ELECTIONS

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

South African General Elections

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 7, 2014


The United States congratulates the Republic of South Africa on its national and provincial elections today.

It is not lost on us that this is the fifth round of inclusive elections since the end of apartheid in 1994 and the first since the passing of Nelson Mandela. Madiba knew that the future demanded that people of good faith summon the courage and conviction to move beyond the past. With each democratic election in South Africa, we see the power and purpose of that vision.

The United States looks forward to working with the new Government of South Africa, as it continues to build strong, democratic institutions and a prosperous future for its citizens.

Friday, April 25, 2014

U.S. EXTENDS WARMEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ON THEIR FREEDOM DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 
South Africa's Freedom Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 25, 2014
South Africa’s Freedom Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend warmest wishes to the people of the Republic of South Africa on your Freedom Day on April 27.

This year’s celebration is especially poignant: it marks the 20th anniversary of your nation’s first democratic elections and follows the recent passing of the Rainbow Nation’s beloved son, Nelson Mandela.

Madiba was a stranger to hate. He rejected recrimination in favor of reconciliation. On this 20th anniversary, we reflect on South Africa’s transformation in these two decades as a testament to the power of reconciliation, forgiveness, and hope.

This year also marks an important milestone for the United States as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which expanded voting rights to racial minorities. Our own commemoration is yet another reminder of the work ahead in our shared struggle for democracy and human rights.

As you prepare to hold general elections next month – your fifth in the post-apartheid era – we remember the spirit of that historic election in 1994, one filled with tremendous hope, goodwill, and promise for a better future.

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