Mandela: Obama is inspiring

2008-11-05 14:38

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 countrymen 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 underdevelopment in Africa which remain 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 had voted.

- SAPA