Transcript Opening:
The speaker begins by expressing their love for Russia and their commitment to peace and freedom.

Songs:
The speaker sings two songs in different languages. The first song is titled “Kosi sikeleli Afrika” and is sung in Zulu. The second song is titled “Woza moja” and is sung in Venda.

Chanting:

The speaker chants repeatedly, “Murena puluka si chava sahesu Ufedi sedi dwale matswenyeho.”

Invocation of Jesus:
The speaker invokes the name of Jesus three times.

Ceremony:
The speaker announces that the Honorable Chief Justice H. Corbett will proceed with the ceremony.

Oath of Office:
Frederick Willem de Klerk, Thabo Mbeki, and Nelson Mandela took the oath of office as Executive Deputy President, Deputy President-elect, and President-elect of the Republic of South Africa, respectively. They swore to be faithful to the Republic, promote its advancement, oppose any harm to it, uphold the Constitution and laws, discharge their duties with their best abilities, and devote themselves to the well-being of the Republic and its people.

Religious Invocation:
A Hindu prayer was recited, invoking the Supreme Lord for guidance, peace, and harmony in all aspects of the universe, including celestial regions, earth, waters, nature, knowledge, and everything in the universe.

Biblical Reading:
A passage from the Book of Isaiah was read, emphasizing God’s compassion, forgiveness, and the promise of establishing righteousness, peace, and tranquility in the land. It spoke of a time when violence, oppression, and terror would be no more, and justice, salvation, and glory would prevail.

Opening Remarks:
The speakers begin with greetings of peace and healing, invoking religious texts from both Christianity and Islam.

Qur’anic Verses on Unity and Brotherhood:
Speaker 11 cites verses from the Holy Qur’an emphasizing the creation of humanity from male and female, as well as the formation of nations and tribes to promote understanding and unity among people. The verse highlights that the most honored in the sight of Allah is the one who is most God-fearing, irrespective of race or origin.

Honoring the Children of Adam:
Speaker 11 references another verse from the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing the honor bestowed upon the children of Adam by Allah. This verse underscores the inherent dignity and value of all human beings, regardless of their differences.

Prayers for Unity and Reconciliation:
A prayer by a Muslim leader asks Allah to grant strength, wisdom, and courage to the newly elected leaders of South Africa. The prayer seeks forgiveness for the violence and loss of life during the country’s turbulent past and calls for reconciliation, love, and understanding. It asks for a life of lasting peace, national unity, and stability. A Christian prayer thanks God for the end of racism and oppression and for the negotiated settlement that led to democratic elections. It prays for the president and his colleagues, asking for wisdom, good health, and the gifts necessary for their high calling. The prayer also seeks blessings for the land and its people, asking for justice, reconciliation, peace, unity, compassion, caring, and sharing.

Praise for Nelson Mandela:
A national poet dedicates poetic praise to Nelson Mandela, calling him a symbol of resistance, hope, and inspiration. The poet compares Mandela to gold and diamond, an oak tree that has survived all kinds of weather, and a catalyst for unity. Mandela is hailed as a hero, veteran, stalwart, and the father of the new nation in the making.

Introduction of Nelson Mandela:
The poet introduces Nelson Mandela as the new South African President of the Republic of South Africa.

Introduction:
Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address as the President of South Africa marks a significant turning point in the nation’s history.

Celebrating Newborn Liberty:
Mandela emphasizes the importance of the event as a celebration of newborn liberty and a chance to create a society that upholds justice, human dignity, and equality.

A Call for Unity and National Identity:
He urges South Africans to work together to build a unified nation, regardless of race or background. Mandela emphasizes the spiritual and physical connection between South Africans and their homeland, fostering a sense of national unity.

Rejection of Racism and Isolation:
Mandela acknowledges South Africa’s past as an international pariah due to its racist policies. He expresses gratitude for the global community’s support in their journey towards democracy and peace.

Challenges of Building a New South Africa:
Mandela highlights the challenges ahead, including promoting peace, prosperity, gender equality, and racial harmony. He emphasizes the need for continued international support in addressing these challenges.

Appreciation for the People’s Role:
Mandela expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals who contributed to the country’s transition to democracy. He specifically acknowledges the role of Deputy President F.W. DeClerk and the security forces in ensuring a peaceful transition.

Time for Healing and Reconciliation:
Mandela calls for healing and reconciliation, urging South Africans to move beyond the divisions of the past and build a united future.

Commitment to Eradicating Poverty and Discrimination:
Mandela pledges to address the ongoing issues of poverty, deprivation, and discrimination, promising to liberate all South Africans from these bonds.

Building a Just and Lasting Peace:
He commits to establishing a lasting peace and restoring hope to the nation’s people.

Vision of a Rainbow Nation:
Mandela envisions a “rainbow nation” where all South Africans can live in peace and dignity, regardless of their race or background.

Addressing Amnesty and Reconciliation:
As a sign of the new government’s commitment to renewal, Mandela announces plans to address the issue of amnesty for political offenses.

Nelson Mandela’s Dedication:
Nelson Mandela dedicates his inauguration day to the heroes and heroines who sacrificed and surrendered their lives for South Africa’s freedom, recognizing their dreams becoming a reality.

Humbled by the Honor:
Mandela expresses humility and honor at being bestowed the role of leading South Africa as its first president in a united, democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist nation.

Acknowledging the Challenges:
Mandela recognizes that the road to freedom is not without challenges and stresses the importance of unity and collective action to achieve national reconciliation and nation-building.

Aspirations for Justice, Peace, and Prosperity:
Mandela envisions a future where justice, peace, and basic necessities are accessible to all, granting freedom to body, mind, and soul.

End of Oppression and Dignity:
He firmly declares that South Africa will never experience oppression or be labeled as the “skunk of the world” again.

A New Era of Freedom:
Mandela proclaims the dawn of a new era marked by freedom and blessings for Africa.

National Anthems:
The ceremony concludes with the singing of national anthems.

The Inauguration Ceremony:
The ceremony showcased a patriotic atmosphere with the singing of the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. President Mandela and his entourage exited the amphitheater, followed by heads of state and dignitaries.

Public Gathering at Bweta Lawns:
President Mandela proceeded to Bweta Lawns, where a massive public gathering had formed to celebrate his inauguration. The President prepared to address the gathered crowd.

Heads of State Reception:
Heads of state moved from the Union Buildings to the Presidency for a function hosted by President Mandela. Other dignitaries proceeded to the West Lawns for further festivities.

Reflection on the Fly Past:
The fly past of military aircraft during the ceremony symbolized the transformation of power dynamics in the region. The presence of neighboring heads of state highlighted the significance of the inauguration for regional relations.

Witnessing the Manifestation of Celebration:
The flyby represented a manifestation of the celebration and the transition of power. It symbolized the changing dynamics between South Africa and its neighbors, moving from conflict to cooperation.