Conference Commemorating 2 February 1990 - Letter from Nelson Mandela to FW de Klerk February 2, 2010

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In this letter, Nelson Mandela writes to Former President FW de Klerk about the upcoming anniversary of the unbanning of the Liberation Movements. He also welcomes the role that FW de Klerk's Foundation is playing for South Africa.

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Dear FW,

As we approach the end of 2009 and the start of the New Year, we are sure that you too will reminisce about February 1990. Twenty years have passed since the liberation movements were unbanned, and many, including myself, were released from prison. For our country, the upcoming "anniversary" invites us to consider how far we have come since those momentous days. During those days we were the pole-cats of the world and on the brink of chaos. Today we are a respected member of the international community of nations and we have a growing democracy.

But even as we commemorate and celebrate those momentous days of February 1990, let us urge our fellow South Africans to remember that much work remains to be done in building our democracy, uplifting our people, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring transformation. We welcome the role that you and your Foundation are playing in this regard.

Kind regards

R Mandela

Former President F W de Klerk Panorama

Cape Town

Courtesy of Nelson Mandela Foundation