I decided to post a copy of the news report for everyone to read because it is in effect what I believe to be true. I know I said no politics, I broke that rule in part yesterday… but come on … this is BIG
Go have a read at AngryAfrican’s Is Obama the American Mandela? … revisited he was more right than he’ll ever know!
Mandela: Obama is inspiring
Johannesburg – Anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela congratulated US president elect Barack Obama on his victory on Wednesday, saying he was an inspiration to people all over the world.
“Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,” Mandela said in a letter to Obama.
“We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world. We trust that you will also make it the mission of your presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere.
“We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead. We are sure you will ultimately achieve your dream making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations committed to peace and prosperity for all,” said Mandela.
Historic elections
Obama became the world power’s first black president as his Republican rival John McCain conceded defeat in historic elections on Wednesday morning.
South African leaders congratulated him, expressing hope that his election would place Africa’s problems higher on the global agenda.
“Your election to this high office of the American people carries with it hope for millions of your country men and women as much as it is for millions of people of particularly the African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the diaspora,” President Kgalema Motlanthe said in a statement.
“We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa which remains a challenge for humanity will indeed continue to receive a greater attention of the focus of the new administration,” added Motlanthe.
The ruling African National Congress said it expected South Africa to maintain its strong relationship of “mutual respect and co-operation” with the United States.
“The ANC is confident that the Obama administration will work to strengthen ties between the United States and Africa, building on development initiatives already in place, forging a genuine partnership to tackle the challenges facing the continent,” said ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte.
Politics of race ‘out’
Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Obama’s election conveyed “a powerful message that the politics of race is on the way out”.
“It demonstrates that through hard work and access to opportunity, anyone can change the world,” said Zille.
“Hopefully, here in South Africa, we will learn from Obama’s success, and take the politics of the open, opportunity society to heart.”
SA National Convention Movement leader Terror Lekota said Obama’s victory signified “the strength of the will of the people who are hungry for change”.
“It demonstrates that in a democracy, people have the power to change the course of their lives, the course of history.
The Democrats Abroad South Africa said there were 20 000 registered US citizens in South Africa and that most of them voted.
Here is how the world partied… World parties as Obama wins
vishesh
•15 years ago
yup,i think he the guy for the job 🙂 lets hope he really spreads peace 🙂
Hayden Tompkins
•15 years ago
I am constantly amazed at how the rest of the world views Obama.
vanessaleighsblog
•15 years ago
This is truly a day of hope, of love and true humanity….. and to know the world is also in tune with this, is amazing to me…..
I am just so hopeful it is amazing….
slightlyignorant
•15 years ago
Ahhh, I think I’m a little bit in love with Obama, he’s such an inspiring speaker…
So exciting not to be in total despair about the US!!!
Amber
•15 years ago
I have to agree… I think the world has indeed won with this one..
SanityFound
•15 years ago
Glad you all agreed, congrats again to the American public… the “fighters” are strangely quiet are they not?
cordieb
•15 years ago
Wow that was powerful. I conveyed the message that you sent me yesterday regarding Obama to a few close friends and relatives. They were not aware of the impact that Obama’s election would have on how the rest of the world view America. I knew it; but many did not realize the gravity of this election. Perhaps now we will lose the image of being the bully to so many nations. I’m glad you gave me that food for thought so that I could pass it on . . . so, dear SF. . . consider yourself as having cast a vote! Your words filtered to me, whereas I conveyed it to others. . . and they conveyed it to more. You changed the minds of at least two people I know, all the way from Africa!
Blessings dearest Aud. . . .
PLL, CordieB.
SanityFound
•15 years ago
Cordie I am in shock, thank you for telling me ~ it’s incredible the impact that each of us has on another, I am blessed to have you in my life. Peace, Light, Love and Equality… it’s all possible when we stand together, stand up tall and be counted.
The world smiles today, it smiles.
Hugs to you dearheart, big ones!