(MENAFN) “I have fought against white and black domination.” These powerful words capture the legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and a pivotal figure in the country’s journey toward peace and equality. A tireless advocate for justice, Mandela stood firmly against racial oppression, striving to create a nation where all citizens—regardless of color—could coexist with mutual respect. His leadership helped steer South Africa away from the brink of civil war during a critical time in its history.

Mandela’s life was marked by resistance to the apartheid regime, a system that institutionalized racial discrimination and upheld white minority rule. He famously declared that South Africa belongs to everyone who lives in it, both black and white, emphasizing unity over division. His unique role as a mediator between conflicting groups has earned him enduring recognition as a global symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Modern South Africa is known for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. With a population of over 60 million people, it includes a vast majority of Black Africans—comprising over 80%—alongside White, Indian, and mixed-race communities. The country is home to a variety of indigenous ethnic groups, including the Bantu-speaking peoples, Khoisan, Nguni, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, and Venda. The white minority mainly consists of Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and other European settlers known as Boers.

However, this diversity was not always reflected in equal rights. For much of the 20th century, the Black majority faced harsh discrimination under white minority rule.

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