South African History Online

Speech by President Nelson Mandela on being awarded the freedom of the city and county of Cardiff

Cardiff, 16 June 1998

My Lord Mayor;
Leader of the Cardiff County Council;
The Right
Honourable Secretary of State for Wales;
Ladies and gentlemen,

I know that in granting the Freedom of the City and County of Cardiff to me,
you are affirming the historic relationship between the people of South Africa
and Wales, a relationship that is based on a shared love of freedom. I humbly
accept the honour in that spirit, on behalf of all South Africans.

When the call for the international isolation of apartheid went out to the
world, the people of Wales responded magnificently.

The knowledge that local authorities all over Wales were banning apartheid
products from canteens and schools; and that the universities, the Welsh Rugby
Union, and the choirs had cut their links, was a great inspiration to us in our
struggle. So too was the contribution of organised Welsh workers.

Action on such a scale could only flow from strong support by ordinary Welsh
people on the ground. So we knew that the Wales Anti-Apartheid Movement spoke
for a people who cared for our freedom as their own.

We appreciate the fact that in identifying with our aspirations you also
provided scholarships for our exiled students; and collected books, equipment
and medical aid for the ANC school in Tanzania. The funds you raised for voter
education in 1994 were a practical contribution to a people about to taste
democracy for the first time.

It is normally invidious to single out individuals. But today, 16 June, is
the day on which we South Africans commemorate the contribution of our youth to
the achievement of democracy, and rededicate ourselves to creating a just
society.

So there is a certain satisfaction in acknowledging, if you so permit me,
that there is one amongst us who is even older than I am and who has been a
campaigner for democracy in South Africa since his youth. May the youth of
today, when they have reached the age of 84 like Bert Pierce, also be able look
back on a lifetime of struggle for justice.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In accepting your freedom, so graciously bestowed, I would like you to accept
our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people of South Africa for your
solidarity.

Democracy has brought new and even greater challenges. In the four years of
our freedom we have laid the foundation for a better life for all. But
eradicating the legacy of apartheid and rebuilding our region will take many
years. We need your continuing support and so we warmly welcome the
transformation of the Anti-apartheid Movement to Action for Southern Africa.

Brief as our visit to Wales must be, I will be able to tell my people that in
the people of Wales we have friends indeed, ready to join hands with us in
building a better life for all.

Thanks you.

Issued by: Office of the President