'The People Shall Govern': Remembering Nelson Mandela's Inauguration

Nelson Mandela's presidency began on May 10, 1994, when the anti-apartheid activist, lawyer, political prisoner for 27 years, and leader of the Umkhonto We Sizwe (the armed wing of the African National Congress or ANC, created in 1961 for the armed struggle against the apartheid regime), was solemnly inaugurated President of South Africa.

Mandela's political agenda was based upon the Freedom Charter – a program document adopted by the ANC and its allies in 1952. At the heart of the charter was the principle of equality of South Africans regardless of their descent and a demand for democracy and representation – "The People Shall Govern!"

The 75-year-old Nelson Mandela became the leader of the country after he won the first non-racial general elections, held on April 27, 1994. White minority rule officially ended the day when the first black president of South Africa was sworn in.

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President-Elect Nelson Mandela waves to well-wishers as he arrives at his inauguration ceremony in Pretoria on Tuesday, May 10, 1994.

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A Praise singer, dressed in native costume and wielding a ceremonial cane, sings praises as Nelson Mandela stands behind him at the starts of the Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Pretoria, May 10, 1994.

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Nelson Mandela reads the oath of office at the Union Building in Pretoria as he is sworn in as President of South Africa.

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Mandela takes the oath on May 10, 1994 during his inauguration at the Union Building in Pretoria.

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South Africa's new President Nelson Mandela (C) stands at attention as the national anthem is played during his inauguration.

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Mandela gets a hug from Archbishop Desmond Tutu of Capetown after Mandela was sworn in as president of South Africa.

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A supporter waves an ANC flag during Nelson Mandela's inauguration on May 10, 1994 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

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President Nelson Mandela dances at a celebration concert following his inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, May 10, 1994, along with former President F.W. de Klerk. "Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world," Mandela vowed.