South African celebration in Raadhuis De Paauw

On 27 April 1994, while the Netherlands celebrated another Koningsdag, in South Africa the day marked the beginning of a New Era of freedom. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, Wassenaar Mayor de Lange welcomed With African Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Mr Yusi Madonsela of South Africa and his wife and dignitaries from the diplomatic community and friends for a celebration in the Raadhuis.

By George Brady

The Ambassador acknowledged the strong contributions of the Netherlands in support of the new democracy including social movements and government actions decades earlier in opposition to the lingering apartheid regime. He called on the Netherlands and other nations to continue to support South Africans as their nation continues to grow and evolve in the modern era.

Mayor de Lange was delighted to host the event as further evidence of Wassenaar’s strong support for the international community. He recalled his family’s personal experience supporting the so-called Outspan boycott and his own mother’s participation in Wassenaar through the so-called Wereldwinkel.

Standing in a royal hall in the former summer palace of Prince Frederik, the Mayor emphasized the need to “embrace new opportunities and look towards our future together” without forgetting the past. He welcomed the South African motto that diverse people unite as a sentiment critical to addressing current challenges in the world.

Quoting South Africa’s first president in Independence Nelson Mandela, he concluded “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” And the celebration was on.