Presidential Inauguration - Nelson Mandela

South Africa, Pretoria · 1994-05-10

Official

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Cachet: Union Buildings

Info card

THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW PRESIDENT On 10 May 1994, South Africa enters a new dispensation with the inauguration of the country's first democratically elected president. 45c President Nelson Mandela Born on 18 July 1918 at Qunu near Umtata in the Transkei, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was the son of a chief councillor of the paramount chief of the Tembu. After his father's death in 1930, he became the ward of his cousin, the acting Paramount Chief, to be groomed to assume high office. Influenced by the cases that came before the Chief's court, he decided to become a lawyer and make his own contribution to the struggle for democracy. After matriculating at Healdtown Methodist Boarding School, he enrolled at the Fort Hare University College for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Here he became involved in student politics and was suspended for joining in a protest boycott. He then went to Johannesburg where he completed his BA by correspondence, took articles of clerkship and commenced study for his LLB degree. His political career started in earnest when he joined the African National Congress in 1942, becoming national president of the Youth League in 1950 and national leader of the Defiance Campaign in 1952. Charged and brought to trial for his role in this campaign, the court found that he and his co-accused had "consistently advised their followers to adopt a peaceful course of action and to avoid all violence." Continuing his political activities, he was accused of high treason in 1956 and at the end of a four-and-a-half year long trial found not guilty. In 1961 he became commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military arm of the ANC, where his activities eventually led to the Rivonia Trial during which he was found guilty of sabotage and in 1964 sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. After 27 years of incarceration, he was released to international acclaim by the then State President, F W de Klerk, on 11 February 1990. Continuing his quest for true democracy in South Africa, Nelson Mandela became president of the ANC, the position he held when he led his party to victory in the first democratic elections in South Africa during April 1994. Recognised internationally for his contribution to the struggle for human rights, freedom and equality, President Nelson Mandela has received many honorary degrees, medals and special prizes. He was the first recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr Peace Prize and shared with FW de Klerk the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. Epitomising his dedication to his country and its people are his words upon his release in February 1990: "I stand before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant to you, the people." 70c National anthems Both Die Stem and Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika are recognised as national anthems. The words of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (The Call of South Africa) were written in 1918 by well-known author and poet, CJ Langenhoven. The music was composed by the Rev M L de Villiers in 1921. The song served as unofficial national anthem for many years and was played at the opening of Parliament for the first time in 1938. In 1957, Die Stem was officially recognised as the national anthem of South Africa. The stamp features the first stanza of Die Stem in Afrikaans. The first stanza of Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) was written in 1897 by Enoch Mankayi Sontonga. Born at Lovedale in the Transkei, Sontonga moved to Johannesburg at an early age. Of the many songs he has written, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika became the best known. Seven additional verses were written by the Xhosa poet, Samuel Mqhayi. In 1925, Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika became the official anthem of the ANC. The stamp features the well-known first stanza in Xhosa. 95c National flag The most visible symbol of a country is its flag. The new South African flag combines a distinctly African character with flag colours known in South Africa since 1652. The two broad green stripes flowing into one symbolise reconciliation and the convergence of the past and the future. R1,15 Union Buildings On 10 May 1994, the new President will be inaugurated at the Union Buildings. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings on Meintjeskop in Pretoria has been the seat of the Executive Power since its completion in 1913. As much use as possible was made of South African materials in the construction of this imposing edifice.

Theme: National Events

Condition: AverageNoticeable wear or light damage, such as creases, minor soiling, small tears, or light discolouration, but still collectable.

Addressed: No

Signed: No

Stamp denomination: R3.25 (ZAR)

SG reference: 840-843

SAPO serial number: 6.3b

Estimated value: ~US$2

This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.