Nelson Mandela

Date: 7 July, 1996

In a television broadcast President Nelson Mandela confirmed the rumours that he would not stand for re-election in 1999. That was also according to what he initially said when sworn in as the country's first democratic president in 1994. The South African constitution has a stipulation which states that the president can only serve for two terms as the head of state. Mandela felt one term was enough as he had already laid the foundation for a better future for all. Interestingly, Mandela did not give a clear indication of who he wanted as his successor in public. This was due to the fierce competition between Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa, who were both favourites for the position. Most commentators hold the view that behind the scenes endorsement by Nelson Mandela and some old guards of the African National Congress (ANC), swung things in Mkeki's favour. Mbeki was ultimately elected ANC president in 1997, thus putting him in line of the country's presidency ahead of Ramaphosa.

Sources:

1. South African History Online. Website: www.sahistory.org.za
2. South African Hotels, History. Website: south-african-hotels.com