1994 Presidential Inaugural Address
Delivered on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, celebrating the triumph of democracy over apartheid and declaring a new rainbow nation bound by justice and human dignity.
Full Transcript
Today, all of us do, by our presence here, and by our celebrations in other parts of our country and the world, confer glory and hope to newborn liberty.
Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.
The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.
Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.
Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!
Defining Key Excerpts
"Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another."
"Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!"
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