英国外交大臣威廉·黑格对南非自由二十周年英语演讲稿

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 deepenedand matured. we are proud to share such strong ties with your country in areas from science totrade 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 acovenant 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 tohuman dignity—a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world”. this vision shouldcontinue to inspire people across the world for many years to come.