THE ULTIMATE
On this day, May 10th 1994, Nelson Mandela became Presdent of South Africa, following the first democratic elections, ending the 'apartheid' era.
Apartheid had been the systematic segregation of South African society on the basis of colour, whereby the Black majority population were denied their rights. Nelson Mandela became key to struggle against apartheid, at times pursuing nnon-violence, at others sabotage. He was imprisoned for 27 years, most famously on Robben Island. he was released by President F.W. de Klerk in 1990, and Mandela leading the African National Congress (ANC) party, steadily entered negotiations with the ruling National Party over the ending of Apartheid and a trsnsition to majority rule. For this work Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with F.W. de Klerk in 1993. Upon becoming President, Mandela, formed a government of National Unity, including members of de Klerk's National Party, and Inkatha party. He also strove for a peaceful future for South Africa, establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where all sides could explain the hurt they had suffered, and all sides could be be reconciled and come to understand each other, and their past experiences. Mandela redefined South Africa as a 'Rainbow Nation' where all peoples had a voice, rights and a share in power.
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Who On This Day, 27th April, became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons in 1992?4/27/2020 On the 27th April 1992, Betty Boothroyd, became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons - being 'dragged to the chair' in Parliamentary ceremony (MPs are not supposed to want to do the job of Speaker as they have to be neutral, and so are unable to voice the political concerns of their constituents in the Chamber).
Betty Boothroyd, was Labour MP for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West. In 1993 she had to cast the Speaker's tie-breaking vote on a motion under John Major's Conservative government. Having consulted the Works of Authority, the written works by Victorian constitutional lawyers such as I.V Dicey and Walter Bagenot, one of the numerous sources of the UK's uncodified constitution, she cast her vote in favour of the government of the day, and against her own party. Thus, maintaining the precedent that should a future Labour government be in the same situation, the Speaker if of another party would also vote for the government. She has said that the greatest moment of her career as the Speaker, was welcoming South African President Nelson Mandela. to Parliament, and introducing him to members of the Commons and Lords in Westminster Hall in Parliament, with the new anthem of the Republic of South Africa playing. After retiring as Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, became a Life Peer in the House of Lords, as Baroness Boothroyd of Sandwell. She continues to campaign, most notably over Brexit and calls for a Second Referendum. |
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