After nearly thirty years in prison on trumped up charges, Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. Mandela was the voice of the oppressed black Africans during the 40s, 50s and 60s. His stint in prison and refusal to back down from his fervent anti-apartheid stance strengthened and supported the hopes of the oppressed. Working with then-president F.W. de Klerk, Mandela helped bring an end to apartheid. South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994. 
Following the presidential election of Nelson Mandela, there occurred a shift from white- to black-dominated government. Unfortunately, this change has given rise to serious problems. This shift of governmental power has not yet resulted in significant lifestyle changes for most blacks in the country. The white population still primarily controls the economy. Affirmative action programs have not yet positively impacted the average black person. According to recent statistics, unemployment among the black population is 45% nationwide. The national crime rate is up with blacks being the most common victims. These statistics seem as if South Africa has not made any significant changes under this new “democratic government.”
In 1993, a temporary Constitution was established while a new, completed Constitution was being drafted. On May 8, 1996, the finalized Constitution of South Africa was ratified. It provides equal rights for all citizens of South Africa, making discrimination of any kind illegal. It broke from the apartheid-based system of government and established democracy as the ruling administration. The political system of South Africa has made many changes as well. Representatives are still elected, but under the current system of government, the people play a role in the matters directly affecting their own lives. After years of living in the shadow of the Nationalist Party, the African National Congress has become the dominant political party. Kwazulu-Natal, the Inkhata Freedom Party, long an ally of the old South African government, retains local power. There continues to be violence between Inkhata and ANC supporters of President Mandela that has claimed hundreds of lives in the province. Hopefully, the political factions will be able to peacefully settle all disputes and work together towards a peaceful, prosperous South Africa.
[From left, President Thabo Mbeki and his former deputy, Jacob Zuma, have been locked in a struggle over the African National Congress party. Caught in their feud are Jackie Selebi, the national police commissioner, and Vusi Pikoli, the chief prosecutor. ] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up in 1995 to investigate apartheid-era crimes and promote the healing of wounds left by apartheid. The commission has the powers to grant amnesty to those who committed human rights abuses and confess their deeds. Their sense and eagerness to forgive should be an inspiration to Christians worldwide for after all the horrible events that occurred, they are willing to forgive and let the occurrences rest in the past. Although South Africa has made great steps towards recovering from the effects of apartheid, they are a long way from economic and social harmony.
