Exceptional TLS as president signed “N. Mandela,” three pages, 5.75 x 8.25, personal letterhead, April 29, 1999. Letter to Helen Suzman, in part: “With our second democratic elections on the horizon, the sense of history is overwhelming. The people of South Africa have helped turn our rainbow nation into a positive and strong democracy, despite the pain and suffering endured in the past we have shown true courage and heroism on the path to democracy. Generations of South Africans began their long walk to freedom that has taken our nation ever closer to the fulfilment [sic] of our dreams. The determination and solidarity of the previously disadvantaged majority since 1994 will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Millions were deliberately reduced to poverty under an oppressive system.
During the 1994 elections, we knew that nothing could stop the people’s declaration that the time had come to govern ourselves. We had then fully understood that none of us could be free unless we were all free; and that none of us could enjoy lasting peace and security while countless South Africans were cursed by hunger, homelessness, lack of education and ill-health. After we successfully voted first time in our millions, as equals—men and women of every colour, language, and religion; rich and poor our nation was reborn. As we pledged to undo the legacy of our divided past, we rekindled the hope of a South Africa that would rise from the injustices of apartheid. Although the end of our first democratic government is near, the task of building a better life for all cannot stop, even for a single day. Even as we take pride in our progress, we know that this is merely the beginning. Many previously disadvantaged citizens are feeling the fruits of government programmes, however, there are many needs still to be met. In the five weeks before the elections, we must build more houses to provide shelter to the homeless beyond the three million houses since 1994. Clean water must be made accessible to more people beyond the three million who have gained access since 1994. More houses must be connected with electricity and telephones beyond the millions connected since 1994.
The success of our national Rugby team during the 1995 world cup was instrumental in bringing our people together despite being a sport enjoyed by the minority under Apartheid. The future of our sport is bright and vital in bringing our diverse society together. With successful sponsorships and corporate funding, our youth can reap the benefits of sport and in the process bridge the racial divide. We must continue the work of building relations with the world. I will be visiting Russia, China and Pakistan we shall strengthen our ties and together expand our economies thus ensuring a better life for the citizens both at home and abroad. The achievements we have made since 1994 would not have been possible without the staunch loyalty and dedication of people such as yourself. I thank you.” In fine condition. The recipient, Helen Suzman, was a noted South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, who spent 36 years in parliament and visited Mandela on numerous occasions during his imprisonment. Written shortly after Mandela delivered his farewell speech to Parliament on March 29, 1999, this letter eloquently displays the South African leader’s call for unity and perseverance as he prepares to welcome his ANC successor, Thabo Mbeki. A powerful letter from late in Mandela’s storied tenure. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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