After his release, he became instrumental in ending apartheid or the state policy of racial segregation and discrimination. Mandela was subsequently elected as the country’s first black South African President elected in its first openly democratic and free elections.

As President, he oversaw the transformation of the once white-dominated country into a more pluralistic and democratic society it is today. He also started the process of healing and reconciliation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to find a way to end decades of bitterness and enmity wrought by the oppressive policies of the apartheid by providing justice to all those who seek it and just closure to a dark past.

With deep sorrow, Akbayan (Citizens Action Party) joins its sister party, the African National Congress (ANC)--a fellow member of the Socialist International, the South African people and the world in mourning the passing of a great human being. Madiba, as he is fondly called, will forever be an inspiration to our own struggle for social transformation. His life, struggle and sacrifices to pursue freedom and equality for all will always be remembered and serve as shining beacons as we continue the struggle for a better future.

Akbayan - Philippines

https://akbayan.org.ph