Nelson Mandela speech on apartheid | European Parliament

Summary

This speech reflects on the deep scars of racism in South Africa, highlighting both the perpetration and victimization of racist ideologies. The speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming hatred and vengeance, advocating for unity and democracy through a negotiated solution. The aim is to transform South Africa into a non-racial, democratic nation, where all citizens, regardless of race, can participate in governance. The speaker acknowledges the ongoing struggles under apartheid and calls for international support in the fight for justice, concluding with gratitude for receiving the Sakharov Prize, pledging to continue the fight for peace and justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acknowledgment of racism: The continent has experienced both perpetration and victimization of racism, which has been a deeply rooted issue.
• 😀 Focus on reconciliation: The speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming hatred, vengeance, and retribution in order to bring about lasting peace.
• 😀 Commitment to unity: The goal is to ensure that both black and white South Africans emerge as victors, implying equality and harmony between racial groups.
• 😀 Recognition of integrity: The speaker acknowledges President de Klerk and the National Party as individuals of integrity, despite their role in the apartheid system.
• 😀 Collaborative approach: The speaker calls for working with political opponents to create a just, lasting solution for South Africa’s future.
• 😀 Vision for a non-racial South Africa: The speaker stresses the need for the country to transform into a democratic, united, and non-racial nation.
• 😀 Warning of economic decline: The speaker warns that any less than full transformation would lead to worsening economic and social conflict.
• 😀 Equal rights for all: Every South African adult must have the right to vote, ensuring equal participation in governance.
• 😀 Continued struggle against apartheid: Despite the changes, the apartheid system remains in place, and the fight for equality continues.
• 😀 International support: The speaker thanks the international community for awarding the Sakharov Prize and urges them to continue supporting the struggle for justice and peace.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech in the transcript?

The main theme of the speech is the struggle against racism and the pursuit of justice, peace, and equality in South Africa, particularly in the context of apartheid. The speaker emphasizes the importance of working towards a united, democratic, and non-racial country.

What does the speaker suggest about the history of racism in South Africa?

The speaker highlights that South Africa has been deeply affected by racism, with both black and white communities being victims and perpetrators of racist ideologies. The speaker acknowledges the painful history but stresses the importance of overcoming hatred and vengeance.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of violence and hatred in addressing the apartheid system?

The speaker rejects the use of hatred and vengeance as a means to end apartheid, emphasizing that the country must strive for a peaceful and just transformation rather than succumbing to the passions of violence and revenge.

Who does the speaker recognize and why?

The speaker recognizes President de Klerk and his colleagues in the National Party as men and women of integrity. The speaker believes that cooperation with them is essential for achieving a just and lasting solution to apartheid.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of South Africa?

The speaker envisions South Africa as a united, democratic, and non-racial country. The transformation of the country must include equal participation in governance for all citizens, regardless of race, and the protection of human rights for all.

What does the speaker believe would happen if South Africa does not undergo transformation?

The speaker warns that failure to transform South Africa into a democratic and non-racial country would lead to worsening economic and social conflict, condemning the nation to continued strife and instability.

How does the speaker address the issue of political participation in South Africa?

The speaker insists that every adult South African must have the right to participate in governing the country through a system of one person, one vote. This is seen as essential for a fair and democratic system.

What is the status of apartheid at the time of the speech?

At the time of the speech, the apartheid system is still in place, with a white minority government ruling over the country. The speaker notes that many aspects of apartheid have not yet been dismantled.

What is the role of the international community, according to the speaker?

The speaker calls on the international community to share the responsibility of fighting against apartheid and supporting the struggle for justice and peace within South Africa.

What significance does the Sakharov Prize hold in this context?

The speaker expresses deep gratitude for receiving the Sakharov Prize, seeing it not only as an honor but also as a challenge to continue fighting for justice and peace in the face of significant obstacles.