Foreign
Secretary’s Message on South Africa’s 2014 Freedom Day
I would like to congratulate the
government and people of South Africa on your 20th year of
democracy. Your peaceful and negotiated transition from the oppressive days of Apartheid
to democracy in 1994 served as an inspiration to millions. It was a long and
difficult struggle for freedom that cost many lives. Some feared that South
Africa’s first truly democratic elections would lead to more violence, but they
were proved wrong and the peaceful elections held on this day 20 years ago were
a testament to the optimism, the vision and the courage of the new South
Africa. As millions of people exercised their right to vote for the first time,
you showed the world that democracy and an end to discrimination in all its
forms were universal aspirations. And the process of truce, reconciliation and
forgiveness initiated by the late Nelson Mandela and led by Archbishop Tutu was
an example to us all. Your successful transition demonstrated what a country
can achieve and its people stand united in the course of justice and freedom.
Since that transition, the links
between South Africa and the United Kingdom have deepened and matured. We are
proud to share such strong ties with your country in areas from science to
trade to culture, and I hope we can continue to work closely together.
Nelson Mandela said at the dawn of
democracy in 1994 that South Africa had entered a covenant that would build a
society in which all South Africans, black and white, would be able, he said, “to
walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right
to human dignity—a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world”. This
vision should continue to inspire people across the world for many years to
come.
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The
Queen’s Message on the Occasion of the Republic South Africa Celebrating 20 Years
of Democracy
On the occasion of the Republic
South Africa celebrating 20 years of democracy, it gives me great pleasure to
send the people of South Africa my warmest congratulations. My family and I
have enjoyed a special and significant relationship with South Africa over the
years. The links between our two countries have deepened and matured since
South Africa’s transition in 1994, and long may that continue. I send my best
wishes for the happiness, security and prosperity of the people of South Africa
in the next 20 years and beyond.
Elizabeth R. |
