South African History Online

Address by President Nelson Mandela at the Golden Doves of Peace Awards ceremony

7 June 1994

(Madame/Master) of Ceremonies
Members of the National Peace
Secretariat
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished guests

For me personally, the Government of National Unity and the African National
Congress, today marks one of the most important occasions since our historic
elections.

We are meeting to honour not merely leaders and politicians of high repute.
But to thank ordinary men and women whose plodding industry makes life that much
more bearable for ordinary people in strife-torn areas.

We are meeting to pay tribute not simply to those in high office. But to
humble individuals who, by their efforts, have demonstrated that they cherish
peace and life itself.

We are meeting to sing praises not to the high and mighty. But to bestow on
unsung heroes what they deserve, for their efforts in the face of danger.

I wish to thank the National Peace Committee and its Secretariat, as well as
Education Africa for inviting us to this solemn occasion. I also wish to
congratulate the winners of the Golden Doves of Peace Awards. You are the true
heroes, the soldiers of peace, of whom all South Africa shall always be proud.

(Madame Master) of Ceremonies,
This important occasion is both timely and
symbolic. Not only as an opportunity for us to reflect on the futility of
violence as a means to resolve disputes. But also as a challenge to find the
ingredients to make peace possible and real.

The Peace Awards ceremony could not have come at a better time: hard on the
heels of our historic first democratic elections.

We cannot help but note that, in this election, when South Africa's hearts
beat as one, we rediscovered the human being in all of us. Indeed, we have
learnt that when there is a common national objective to which all have a stake,
we can achieve peace, harmony and security.

This is the central challenge that we all face as we embark on the course of
reconstruction and development. For it is in positively addressing the needs of
all the people, in ensuring that each and every South African has a stake in
society, that we can effectively build peace and reconciliation.

The overwhelming majority of South Africans want to get on with their lives
in an atmosphere of peace and security. They want to get down to work and
improve their lot and that of their families.

This is the message issuing not only from the schools and work-places. It is
the clarion call from the unanimous voice of the Government of National Unity.

All the parties in parliament and in Government are at one that we must join
hands to improve the lives of ordinary people. That, through concerted efforts
to create jobs, to build homes and to open up opportunities for all, we shall be
contributing to the removal of the major causes of conflict. We shall be
contributing to the building of peace.

This is indeed what gives one hope and profound confidence that South Africa
has a bright future.

In the negotiations with representatives of the far-right parties, we have
found a new determination to resolve problems by peaceful means. We do differ
and differ sharply. But it is our obligation to ensure that these differences
are thrashed out in rational discussion and negotiations.

The Government will continue to pursue this cause with a patient
determination.

We do recognise the moral and historical obligation to ensure that the wounds
of the past are healed. In equal measure, we shall ensure maximum openness and
disclosure, so that the healing is meaningful, permanent and serves as a beacon
to future generations that the mistakes of the past will never be repeated.

(Madame Master) of Ceremonies,
South Africa has gone a long way in
resolving the problem of political violence. But we shall be failing in our duty
if we turn a blind eye to the continuing carnage in some parts of the country:
the killings in parts of KwaZulu/Natal, the feuds among rival taxi associations,
the scourge of blood-letting among groups hiding under the cloak of self-defence
units, and the gang warfare in some townships which has turned criminals into
warlords and a law unto themselves.

All these problems require stern action as well as joint efforts to build the
culture of tolerance and respect for human life. It is not helpful to classify
this or the other act of murder as "political" or otherwise. Violence is
violence; and in whatever form, it can neither be condoned nor justified. At its
core is the demon of intolerance and a culture that sees human life as cheap and
expendable.

We wish to lend our support to Project Golden Wings. And we join those
institutions which have offered to promote the project in committing ourselves
to its noble objectives.

It is not enough to have legitimate Government, no matter how loud we can
shout from the rooftops. It is less than human to wallow in the comfort of the
reduction of incidents of violence. Rather we should together build a grassroots
movement to eliminate this scourge. And where resources permit, we should meet
our obligation to the international community in lending a helping hand to make
the world a better and safer place to live in.

We are confident that, along with reconstruction and development efforts, the
Golden Wings project will help consolidate the spirit of tolerance and respect
within communities.

Then South Africa shall be a safer and secure place for all its people. Then
more women and men of talent shall emerge and make their contribution to the
well-being of the nation.

Then we shall be able say with confidence: There is Peace and Friendship in
our beloved country.

Thank You.