Nelson Mandela’s new South Africa

IN COMMEMORATING MADIBA’S

which employed more than 240 000 people in five years.

A caring leader

Also in 1994, Mandela announced that free public health care would be provided to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under the age of six. This was the first time any form of free health care had been provided to South Africans. In 2006, Mandela’s legacy was extended to offer primary healthcare services to all users of public facilities.

With children holding a special place in his heart, Mandela introduced the Primary School Feeding Scheme shortly after taking office. Over four million children were reached. Today, the National School Nutrition Programme feeds over eight million learners a day.

In the apartheid era, social benefits favoured the white minority. Mandela’s administration levelled the playing field, and by 1994 all beneficiaries received the same grant levels. Today, the grant system covers the elderly, persons with disability, war veterans and foster children, with 17 million people benefitting.

People’s rights protected

In addition to improving economic and living conditions, one of Mandela’s priorities was the protection of citizens’ rights. The South African Human Rights Commission was inaugurated in 1995, and several other important organisations – including the Public Protector, the Gender and Youth Commissions and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – were also established.

Restrictive apartheid employment conditions – such as the prohibition of strikes – were addressed through 1995’s Labour Relations Act.

So much positive progress in such a short space of time was unprecedented in South Africa. Emerging from the ashes of economic isolation, segregation and inequality, the foundations of the new democratic nation had been well and truly built.