(26 Mar 1999) English/Nat

VOICED BY: Louise Bates

South Africa's President Nelson Mandela on Friday bade farewell to parliament, bringing an end to a remarkable era of political change in South Africa.

During his speech he paid tribute to the achievements of five years of democratic government and all the work done to overcome the racial divisions left by apartheid.

Mandela will step down after the elections on June 2.

VOICE-OVER:

(0.02)
Nelson Mandela received a standing ovation when he entered parliament for the last time as president.

(0.09) UPSOT APPLAUSE

(0.11)
The National Assembly paying it's respect to a man who's brought about remarkable change in the history of South Africa.

(0.19)
Mandela, who was elected leader in the country's first all-race elections in 1994, will retire in June.

In his final speech to the parliament that formally dismissed apartheid, he said the foundations for a better life had finally been laid.

(0.35) SOUNDBITE: (English) Nelson Mandela
"To the extent that I have been able to take our country forward to this new era it is because I am the product of the people of the world who have cherished the vision of a better life for all people everywhere."

(0.52)
Mandela showed his usual modesty and played down his achievements.

(0.57)
But at the end of his speech, with his wife looking on, ruling A-N-C lawmakers sang and chanted his name, in respect.

(1.05) UPSOT CHEERING

(1.07)
Mandela acknowledged the cheers, raising both arms in the air, before leaving parliament.

(1.16) VISION ENDS

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