Dear College of Science Faculty and Staff,
When first general election for South Africans of all races was held on April 26-29, 1994 after the fall of apartheid, I was living in the United States. But my friend Maureen told me. That morning, the household was up at 4am, dressed in their best clothes and fortified with a large breakfast, since it was anticipated that the polling station lines would be many hours long. The Black staff members in her household had never been allowed to vote. It was a huge, celebratory event.
Almost 20 million votes were counted in a carefully monitored, free and fair election. The path to the 1994 South African election had begun several years prior. Apartheid fell in 1990, with the release of Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned for 27 years, and was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
For several years the ruling National Party and the ANC worked together on mechanisms for a peaceful power transition, since the country remained turbulent with ongoing violence. At midnight on 26 April 1994 the old South African flag was lowered (and banned) and the new flag (shown here) was raised. The New National Anthem of South Africa is a composite of the old anthem Die Stem and the new anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, a hymn of hope for so long.
It was no surprise that the ANC won a massive victory, gathering 62% of the vote. As per the Interim Constitution, since the win was short of the two thirds majority needed for unilateral rule, the ANC formed a coalition with the two next most popular parties, with Mr. Mandela as President. Nelson Mandela was an extraordinary leader, preferring to lead by reconciliation than retribution. He received the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with FW De Klerk, leader of the National Party who supported the ending of apartheid. Mr. Mandela oversaw formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in operation from 1996-1998 to investigate crimes committed under apartheid. Mr. Mandela praised the commission's work, stating that it "had helped us move away from the past to concentrate on the present and the future".
The 1994 election was a high point in the history of South Africa, and the thoughtful, embracing years under Mr. Mandela’s leadership were an extraordinary achievement. The country remains extraordinary, with great national pride, great achievements, and great challenges. The importance of the first opportunity for all South Africans to vote, 30 years ago, can’t be overstated.
If you have not yet used the honor of your vote this November, may I encourage you to do so. Your vote is very precious. It is all yours, to voice your opinion, which is important. You may take time from work to go to a polling station, and here is our relevant HR policy (scroll to the bottom of the page).
I also remind all members of our Northeastern University College of Science that We are a Diverse College where Everyone Belongs. Each person is entitled to their opinions and how they vote. Please do not assume that others share your opinions and be aware and respectful of this in meetings, in casual conversation and in written communications.
Warm wishes to everyone.