It was on this day (16 June) in 1998 when Nelson Mandela was awarded the Freedom of the City of Cardiff.

Why Was Nelson Mandela in Wales?

The visit came just four years after Mr. Mandela had won South Africa’s first democratic election, which saw him sworn in as the first President of South Africa. Mandela acknowledged Cymru’s long-time support for the end of Apartheid, saying that the Welsh were “a great inspiration to us in our struggle.”

The Welsh did play a part in the build-up to the end of apartheid by joining in with anti-apartheid measures. This was done in many ways, such as boycotting apartheid products; regular protests and the eventual boycott of apartheid rugby in 1989 following a long campaign by Wales AAM (Wales Anti-Apartheid Movement).

During Mandela’s trip to Cymru, he took part in a meeting with EU leaders; met Elizabeth II at Cardiff Castle; was awarded the Freedom of the City of Cardiff and visited schools, famously singing along with schoolchildren during a visit.

Then-Welsh Secretary, Ron Davies, spoke with admiration for Mandela, declaring that the name “Nelson Mandela carries the ultimate message, that good can triumph over evil.”

For me, he still carries that same message.

More from Welsh Histories

Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.

Niklas George

Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.