Audio available in app
Negotiating peaceful transition to democracy from "summary" of Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela
In the early 1990s, we found ourselves at a crucial juncture in South Africa's history. After years of struggle and resistance against apartheid, it became clear that change was inevitable. The question was not whether change would come, but how it would come. As leaders of the African National Congress (ANC), we were faced with the task of negotiating a peaceful transition to democracy with the apartheid government. This was no easy feat, as the wounds of the past were deep and countless lives had been lost in the fight for freedom. We knew that the only way forward was through dialogue and compromise. We had to set aside our anger and resentment and focus on the bigger picture – building a new, inclusive South Africa where all its citizens could live ...
Similar Posts
International support is important
The involvement of international actors in a peace process is crucial for its success. International support provides legitimac...
Embracing one's cultural identity
As I reflect on my upbringing in the squalid black ghetto of Alexandra, I am reminded of the importance of staying true to one'...
External mediation can be helpful
External mediation has been a key element in several successful peace processes around the world. When two parties in conflict ...
Expressing the pain of loss and separation
The agony of being torn away from those we love is a wound that never truly heals. The ache of separation cuts deep, leaving sc...
Upholding the dignity and humanity of all
In the midst of the poverty, violence, and oppression that surrounded me in the ghetto, there was one guiding principle that my...
Belief in the power of forgiveness
Nelson Mandela's journey to forgiveness was a long and difficult one. It was a journey that required him to look deep within hi...