Mandela and de Klerk (1997) - full transcript

♪♪

>> Mandela: During my lifetime,

I have dedicated myself to this

struggle of the African people.

I have fought against

white domination,

and I have fought against

black domination.

I have cherished the ideals

of a Democratic, free society

in which all persons live



in Harmony and with

equal opportunity.

It is an ideal which I hope

to live for and achieve.

But if needs be, it is an ideal

for which I am prepared to die.

( People murmuring )

( Gavel bangs )

( Murmuring stops )

>> You have been found guilty

of sabotage and conspiracy

against the state.

In the case of accused

number one, Nelson Mandela,



the sentence is

life imprisonment.

( People murmuring )

( Gavel bangs )

Accused number, Walter sisulu--

life imprisonment.

Accused number three,

denis goldberg--

life imprisonment.

Govan mbeki--

life imprisonment.

Ahmed kathrada--

life imprisonment.

Andrew mlangeni--

life imprisonment.

Raymond mhlaba--

life imprisonment.

Elias motsoaledi--

life imprisonment.

♪♪

( People singing )

>> All: Hang mandela!

Hang mandela! Hang mandela!

Hang mandela!

>> ( Singing )

( People screaming )

>> ( Chanting )

( Ship horn blows )

( Horn blows )

>> No tribal tongues.

Speak English

or afrikaans only.

Discuss only personal matters.

We have a list of the members

of your family.

If we hear a name that's not

on the list, we will stop you.

>> Are you well?

Have you been eating?

>> I am fine, Nelson.

And you?

>> Fit as a fiddle.

The children?

>> Zenani is at boarding school

in Swaziland.

>> Be sure and tell her that I

said she must get good grades.

>> I shall.

>> How is zindzi?

>> Stop.

Who is zindzi?

>> It's a nickname,

short for zindziswa,

our younger daughter.

>> Proceed.

>> The...extended family

in the transkei are well.

All the elders send their love.

>> Contact them as often

as you can, and send them

my love, too.

>> I, uh, almost forgot to

tell you about your garden.

>> Oh, my garden.

How is it?

>> Thriving more than ever.

New buds taking root every day.

>> Very good, very good.

>> Stray dogs rampage

through it daily, but after

a while, it takes root again

and continues to grow.

>> Oh, winnie...

It is so good to see you.

So good.

>> Any word from tambo

in Zambia?

>> She got any news

from denis goldberg?

>> No.

>> What news of your garden?

The a.N.C. Is getting

new recruits every day--

young, strong ones.

>> And the stray dogs?

>> Government informers and

police raids are everywhere.

>> Yes, yes.

>> But they have not

stopped US, and they won't.

>> Newscaster: Elsewhere in

the township, vehicles were

hijacked and burned.

Impromptu barricades were

aflame all over, thought most

of the trouble seems to be

caused by the young.

>> We're having rocket-proof

fencing built around every

strategic site in the country.

But there's not guarantee that

this will stop the a.N.C.

>> Who's behind these attacks?

Mandela?

>> He's a resourceful man,

Mr. President.

We can't afford to ignore

his capabilities.

>> We suspect he's still

somehow getting messages out

to Oliver tambo

and the rest of the exiles.

>> But it's more than that.

>> More than that?

>> Yes.

>> The people in the townships

are calling robben island

"mandela's university".

>> What is this?

The mandela admiration society?

Now, stop your whining

and do something about the man.

>> Pack your things.

All of you.

>> Pack our things?

>> Out. Out.

Except motsoaledi and mbeki.

You've got 15 minutes.

>> 15 minutes?

>> Mandela: Dearest winnie,

I am writing you from

pollsmoor prison and

out of sight of Cape Town.

We have been very quickly

removed by the government

from robben island for fear

that our political views

would contaminate

the majority

of the prisoners there.

We have been moved to an

isolation cell on the roof

of the pollsmoor prison, and

here we will be completely

isolated, away from the other

1,000 inmates here.

>> All: Winnie! Winnie!

Winnie! Winnie!

>> ( All shouting )

>> Viva a.N.C. Viva!

>> Viva!

>> My husband and the others

are imprisoned because

they demand justice.

We who are on the outside

express our solidarity

with them.

>> ( People shouting )

>> They suffer for US,

and we speak for them!

>> All: Yeah!

>> We will not be silenced!

>> Yeah!

>> We will shout our defiance

to the world!

>> Yeah!

>> And the world will

stand with US!

>> ( Cheering )

>> Viva a.N.C.! Viva!

>> Viva!

( All chanting )

( Shouting )

>> I thought you'd like

to read about your wife.

>> So, how is zeni's baby?

>> Sergeant Gregory?

I thought you were still

on the island.

>> I've been here for

quite a while, actually.

I suppose somebody upstairs

thought it was best.

>> And you remembered

my grandson.

>> Being a prison censor

does that to you.

I've read so many of your

letters, I've started feeling

like family after a while.

>> I'll always be grateful

to you for showing me

how to get around

the censorship rules.

Other warders were

never so gracious.

>> Well, I didn't want

to bother you.

Just wanted to let you know

that I was around and...

Say hello.

>> Nelson Mandela is absolutely

indispensable for peace

in Southern Africa!

We--all of US--the world--

need Nelson Mandela.

Do you agree?

( Crowd cheering )

Campaign with US

for the release of

Nelson Mandela and all of

the political leaders now!

>> ( Chanting )

>> Release mandela!

Release mandela!

( Chanting continues )

>> Mr. President,

excuse me, sir, but there has

been protest action

in capital cities all over

Europe and america.

We can't go on ignoring--

>> communist agitators.

Ignore them.

>> Mr. President, I can

increase the number of

informants in the townships.

All we have to do

is find the ringleaders.

There are just so many of--

>> don't tell me your problems.

Just do what's necessary.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Mr. President, there have

been suggestions that, uh--

>> suggestions? About what?

>> It's thought that a possible

course of action to solve

all these problems might be

to talk to mandela, sir.

>> Mandela?

>> Yes, sir.

>> ( Shouts in afrikaans )

( Gunfire )

>> Newscaster: The raid,

coming only three weeks

after South Africa's

abortive attack

inside Angola, marks the

dangerous escalation of

violence in the region.

It also puts pain

to Pretoria's latest

peace initiative for

Southern Africa.

Peter sharp, news at one,

in Gaborone.

( Whistle blows )

>> Word has it that the

government has attacked a.N.C.

Targets in Maseru and Maputo.

Hundreds were killed.

>> Did we retaliate?

>> Yes.

>> Our youth have blown up

a section of the koeberg

nuclear station.

>> Our people are angry.

They want more.

They want to see blood.

They want to see white people

suffer the way we suffer.

>> The youths are no longer

willing to make a distinction

between military whites

and civilian whites.

Some of them have been heard

to say, "one settler,

one bullet."

>> It's imperative

that we talk to him, sir.

>> I don't want to hear

any more about the man.

>> He is a leader of

his peoples, Mr. President.

And, as you well know,

he's the highest ranking member

of the a.N.C. Still on

South African soil.

>> And need I remind you, in

prison, where he will remain?

>> You have to help me

change his mind, f.W.

>> I happen to support

his position, kobie.

How can we negotiate

with terrorists?

>> You've got to break through

this concept of terrorism.

>> Kobie...i didn't know

you were sitting around the

same campfire with mandela.

>> Heh heh. I'm not the only

one who feels this way.

>> That may be,

but why talk to me?

I'm no reformist.

>> Yes, but you have

no agenda, f.W.

People on both sides

will listen to you.

At least give it some thought.

>> Listen, the national party

is all that stands between US

and anarchy in this country.

We can't afford another split

in the party, kobie.

It would mean the end.

You want a Messiah,

you'll have to knock on

someone else's door.

>> Why all the concern

about these white civilians?

You know that the armed

struggle can't discriminate

between military targets

and soft targets.

>> Soft targets?

You mean women and children.

>> Black women and children

are being killed by

the government every day.

Who weeps for US?

( Drops cup )

>> Madiba!

>> ( Groans )

>> What is it?

>> It's certainly not a good

time for this to happen

to mandela.

>> Oh, nonsense.

It's of no consequence.

An enlarged prostate gland.

Gus gecelter did the diagnosis.

He's a jewboy, but they tell me

not a bad urologist.

He says he has to remove

part of the gland straightaway.

>> Yes, but there's this

trouble with the townships.

The a.N.C. Has never been

so active.

International sanctions

are spreading like veldfire.

>> These are merely

inconveniences.

They cannot last.

We must be steadfast,

gentlemen.

>> And now Mr. Mandela

is in hospital.

He is older than both of US,

Mr. President.

If he should die, he would--

>> it would be a Thorn

plucked from our flesh.

>> He would be a martyr.

His name would be a rallying

cry for our enemies here

and around the world.

>> You attach too much

importance to the man.

>> Mr. President...

Now is the time to sit down

with mandela.

>> Listen! I am the president

of this nation.

And mandela--

he is a terrorist.

Ah, he might be educated.

He might be a tribal

princeling.

But he has been found guilty

of treason against the state.

And you say I must sit down

and exchange pleasantries

with this man?

>> The presidency need not

become directly involved, sir.

The entire matter can be

handled quietly and discreetly.

>> Well, tell me how.

>> Mr. Mandela?

>> Mr. Coetsee?

>> No, no, no, please don't.

Don't bother,

not on my account.

>> I am...

Very seldom rendered

speechless, but...

I must confess I hardly

expected a visit

from the minister of justice.

To what do I owe the honor,

minister coetsee?

>> Oh, well, it's not really

a visit, you know.

It's just that I was

in the vicinity.

>> You were...

In the vicinity?

>> A friend of mine

down the corridor.

I trust you are recovering.

>> Oh.

I trust so, too.

>> Well, if there's anything

you need...

>> My needs are few,

minister coetsee,

and simple.

But chief among them is

the need for more information.

>> Yeah, well, that's

a difficult one, you know?

>> I understand.

>> Yes, I think you do.

Excuse me, Mr. Mandela.

I must go.

>> Your friend calls?

>> We'll meet again.

( Whistle blowing )

>> But, madiba, where are

they taking you?

>> They're giving me a little

peace from you fellows--

my own cell.

>> They're planning to isolate

you from your comrades.

>> Madiba, what are they up to?

They have a plan.

They must have a plan.

They never do anything

without a reason.

>> If they have a plan,

do you think they would

confide in me?

All they told me is that

I was being moved.

>> They gave you no hint?

No clue, madiba?

>> None.

>> And you have no suspicion?

>> If they hope that by

isolating me, they will

further their ambitions,

then they are mistaken.

>> I've been ordered to

Cape Town on government

business.

Would you like to make

the trip with me?

>> I don't think that's

a very funny joke, sergeant.

>> I'm not joking.

Orders...from on high.

♪♪

So...what do you think?

>> I had forgotten everything

but the details.

>> Would you like a cool drink?

Something to eat maybe?

>> Do you think my body

would stand it, sergeant?

>> ( Laughs )

I'll be back in a minute.

>> ( Speaking afrikaans )

>> Here you go.

Haven't had one of those

in a long time, eh?

>> Yes.

Long time.

Long time.

>> This is not

the visiting room.

What is going on?

>> It's all right,

Mrs. Mandela.

Please sit down.

Please?

>> Mr. Mandela, I'll call you

when your time is up.

>> Are you leaving US alone,

sergeant?

>> Government orders.

>> Ohh.

I can't believe it.

It's been 20 years.

20 years since I've held you

like this.

>> What is this game

they play now?

Where is the bug?

>> Nothing we could say

would surprise them.

For years, they have known

full well what we think.

>> ( Laughs ) Yes.

>> They took me on--

I suppose it was a picnic--

in Cape Town.

>> A what?

>> A ride into town.

I think they want me to get

acquainted with life

out there.

>> Oh, I think they want

to seduce you.

>> It's working.

>> ( Laughs )

>> I believe they are signaling

that they are ready to talk.

>> Oh, madiba.

Don't trust them.

>> It is a dangerous path.

But I must tread it.

Hello, Mrs. Gregory.

I am Nelson Mandela.

Thank you for inviting me

into your home.

>> Won't you...Come in,

Mr. Mandela?

( Laughter )

You have such a wicked

sense of humor, Mr. Mandela.

>> And you cook an excellent

meal, Mrs. Gregory.

>> Thank you.

>> No wonder your husband

reports for work

in such a good mood.

>> ( Laughs )

>> Can I talk now?

>> Hey.

>> What is it, young man?

>> Is it really true

you're a prince?

>> Yes, it is true.

>> I'll bet you had lots of

servants waiting on you

hand and foot.

>> Well, it wasn't quite

that way for me.

>> My father makes me

do chores...When I want to go

out and play with my friends.

>> Oh, my goodness.

>> Well, we all have

our chores around the house.

Even parents.

Even princes.

>> You had to do chores?

>> Of course.

When I was a little boy--

just about your age--

my mother sent me to the home

of my uncle, who was the king.

My father had just died,

and his brother the king

followed the custom

of our people and took me in.

Once, in the house of the king,

I had to go through rigorous

training to one day become

an adviser to my uncle,

and later to my cousin,

who would one day himself

become king.

>> You must've felt like the

luckiest boy in the whole

wide world.

>> Yes. Going to school,

being taught the ways

of the court, yes.

But my other duty was a big job

for a little person.

I had to iron the pants of

my uncle for each state visit

and ceremonial occasion.

Those pants had to be perfectly

ironed and pressed each time.

If they were not, I had to go

over and over and over them

until they were right.

>> But you were the prince.

Couldn't you get the servant

to do that for you?

>> No.

Because ironing my uncle's

pants was my duty,

and I stuck to it.

That is what one does when

one is given a responsibility

and a trust.

Ironing those pants taught me

to be patient.

And it taught me to focus

myself on a single task.

So, what do you think

about that?

>> Well...

I think I understand.

>> Good.

Dear minister coetsee,

there can be no doubt

in your mind that the

situation in our country

has become untenable.

( People shouting )

Strikes, agitation

in the streets,

and armed resistance

have not abated despite your

best efforts.

The black people of our

country are harboring

a great grievance.

As an executive member

of the a.N.C., and as

a patriot who loves

his country, I implore

the government to sit down

with members of our movement

and face-to-face discuss ways

in which we can bring an end

to the terrible torment and

suffering in South Africa.

>> Just give this back

to coetsee.

So, tell me--do you think

mandela grows desperate?

>> I think mandela...

Grows, Mr. President.

>> Hmm! And I say

mandela grows old.

He senses god beckoning.

He's running out of time,

and that suits US very well

indeed.

>> Mr. Mandela.

It's a pleasure.

Johann kykendal,

aide to the president.

Step inside.

>> The point is, Mr. Kykendal,

the time has come

for negotiations.

What is it that is stopping

your government from

sitting down and talking to US?

>> But surely, Mr. Mandela,

that is what we are doing,

isn't it?

>> You are a civil servant,

Mr. Kykendal, no more.

And I am not authorized

to negotiate for the a.N.C.

Your government must go to

Lusaka, or they will have to

invite Lusaka here.

>> P.w. Botha going to Lusaka?

Speaking to tambo?

( Laughs ) That's impossible...

And you know it.

>> I do not think

you appreciate the dynamics

of this meeting, Mr. Kykendal.

I am an executive member

of the a.N.C., and you are

a conduit.

It is not your place to

tell me what is possible

or not possible.

>> Mr. Mandela, i--

>> you...

Will understand clearly

three things and communicate

them to your masters.

>> I don't think you

appreciate where i'm--

>> one--

I am not the head of

the a.N.C., nor am I,

in the current instance,

its emissary.

I do what I do knowing

full well the risks I run

of being repudiated.

Two--we can only continue

this dialogue if your

government demonstrates

its willingness to take a few

risks of its own.

The road to peace is

precipitous, and if we are to

travel it together, we must

all share the risks involved.

Three--i believe that this is

your government's last chance

for a peaceful settlement

before...the armed struggle

reaches a point of no return.

Ignore it, and I believe

our country will be laid waste

in a war of attrition

from which no Victor

will emerge.

>> Mr. Mandela,

I can assure you that--

>> tell them.

>> Madiba.

>> Madiba.

>> Comrades, I wanted you

to know that my isolation has

afforded me a certain clarity.

>> I'm glad that you derived

some benefit from it,

because we haven't.

>> Certain developments

have taken place

that I must report to you.

>> From your isolation cell?

>> I wasn't always isolated.

>> I knew it.

>> Who did you see? Botha?

>> Coetsee.

>> Coetsee.

>> And a number of others.

>> You have not informed tambo

and the central committee?

>> You've gone too far, Nelson.

These meetings of yours

with this government have

compromised the a.N.C.

>> It was an opportunity,

and I grasped it.

>> Yes, but whose opportunity--

yours or the regime's?

Nelson, do you know what they

could do with this?

Every meeting you've held,

every contact could be turned

to their own benefit.

>> Imagine the headlines--

"mandela in talks

with government."

It would be a propaganda coup,

and at the very most, it would

split US down the middle.

>> I am not a child, Andrew.

These thoughts have obviously

occurred to me.

>> Ah, madiba, you're treading

on dangerous ground here.

>> Since when has the a.N.C.

Flinched from danger?

I speak with the regime

to enhance the aims

of our organization.

>> Yeah, but in secret--

that's the problem, madiba.

>> Shh, shh.

( Prisoners chanting,

whistle blowing )

>> I risk my reputation

on my strong belief that

the regime speaks from

a position of weakness.

We have got them on the ropes.

Now, do we fight for

another decade?

Do we spill the blood of

thousands more of our children

to achieve what can easily be

accomplished across a table?

I'll be letting tambo know

what I have done, and I will

seek his endorsement.

But until then, I want you

to know that I intend to

continue on this path.

( People chanting )

( Chanting continues )

>> Newscaster: With another

funeral due to take place

in a neighboring township

tomorrow, the violence is not

expected to end.

Cedric Scott, I.T.N.,

Johannesburg.

( People screaming )

>> Botha: What does the world

want of me?

Who is it who abolished

petty apartheid?

P.w. Botha, that's who.

Who drove the Cubans back

in Angola?

My army did.

Who fought the communists

in Mozambique? I did.

And what recognition

does the west give me?

They nag, they whinge,

they send me diplomatic

communiques.

"Negotiate," they say.

And who must I negotiate with?

A bunch of blacks running amok

in the townships?

A bunch of terrorists sitting

in jail where they belong?

Look at this.

France, Germany, Japan--

they're all against me.

I'm telling you, gentlemen--

if it wasn't for Margaret

Thatcher and Ronald Reagan,

South Africa would have

no friends in the world at all.

>> Mr. President, if it is

a bold stroke the world wants,

then you may be holding

the solution to your problems

in your hands.

>> It is my intention to

release Nelson Mandela

from prison...If he will

promise unconditionally

to reject violence

as a political instrument.

( Reporters clamoring )

It is therefore not

the South African government

which stands in the way

of mandela's release.

It is Mr. Mandela himself.

>> Mr. Mandela, we are

offering to set you free.

You can go home and be

with your family.

>> UN-ban the a.N.C.

Begin direct negotiations

with our leader Oliver tambo

immediately.

>> Renounce the violence

and you can go home.

That is what we can offer you.

>> Your president must see

our point of view.

>> He doesn't have

to do anything.

He is the president, and you

have got his final offer.

>> In that case,

advise president botha that

he will have my answer soon.

>> De klerk: You see what

he's doing?

Mandela is making US wait.

By the way, thank you for

keeping me informed.

>> He'll agree to terms,

I think.

He's a logical man.

>> Look what he's done--

he's stolen the spotlight

from the government.

It's pointing directly at him

now, and the whole world

is waiting for his answer.

That's not bad for a prisoner

who's been cut off

from the world for 22 years.

( Crowd cheering )

>> Zindzi: Winnie Mandela

is in internal exile,

banned as a non-person,

forbidden to speak publicly.

She should be standing here

before you.

>> Man: Viva Winnie Mandela!

Viva!

>> All: Viva!

>> But since she cannot,

it falls on me to read

my father's reply

to president botha's offer

of freedom from prison.

"I am a member of

the African national congress."

>> Man: Viva a.N.C.! Viva!

>> All: Viva!

>> "I have always been a member

of the African national

congress, and I will remain

a member of the African

national congress

until the day I die.

I Cherish my own freedom

dearly, but I care even more

for your freedom.

Too many have died

since I went to prison.

Too many have suffered

for the love of freedom.

I am not less loving

than you are, but I cannot

sell my birthright, nor am I

prepared to sell the birthright

of my people to be free.

What freedom am I being

offered, while the organization

of the people remains banned?

What freedom am I being

offered to live my life

as a family with my dear wife,

who remains banished

in brandfort?

I cannot and will not give

any undertaking at a time

when I and you, the people,

are not free.

Your freedom and mine

cannot be separate."

( People cheering )

>> "I will return."

Viva Nelson Mandela! Viva!

>> All: Viva!

>> Viva...

( Indistinct )

>> All: Viva!

>> Mayibuye iafrika!

>> Mayibuye!

>> ( All chanting )

>> ( Chanting )

>> ( Screaming )

>> Responsible South Africans

have taken note of the

conditions of violence

and lawlessness which have

become endemic in many parts

of the country.

The government has thus far

shown the utmost Patience

with regard to the tide of

anarchy that has swept

across our country.

But the situation cannot

be tolerated any longer.

Therefore, in terms of the

public safety act of 1953,

I hereby declare a state of

emergency.

>> Newscaster: Good evening.

The black townships in

South Africa are under

curfew tonight after the

shooting dead of at least 17

black demonstrators

by police this morning.

Dozens more people

were injured.

The official government

figures for the number killed

is 17, but local people say

the real total is nearer 50.

The police opened fire--

with or without warning

is not clear--as a crowd of

black demonstrators marched

along the road

out of uitenhage.

>> ( Speaking native language )

>> Botswana, Zimbabwe,

and Zambia.

The a.N.C. Has bases

at these locations in all

three countries.

We will destroy these bases,

and with them, the a.N.C.'S

ability to stage armed attacks

against South Africa.

Our target date is may 19.

( Overlapping chatter )

We have an opportunity to

strike at an enemy that has

sworn to destroy US.

As far as negotiations go,

Mr. President, when these

missions succeed, you will be

in a position to negotiate with

an enemy that no longer exists.

>> Magnus, proceed with

your preparations.

That'll be all, gentlemen.

( Overlapping chatter )

De klerk.

I would've valued your support.

>> I, uh, thought you were

very clear about the direction

that you wished to go in.

>> I said I would've valued

your active support.

>> Mr. President, you always

have my active support.

>> But?

>> To do this on the very day

of a possible major

diplomatic breakthrough--

>> not every political

decision is--

>> that was a military

decision.

Military victories do not

always mean political ones.

Ask the Americans about their

experience in Vietnam.

>> So, you're on the side

of appeasement now.

>> I'm not on any side,

Mr. President.

>> You're testing my faith

in you, de klerk.

We will implement the

destruction of a.N.C. Bases

immediately.

♪♪

( Gunfire )

( People screaming )

>> ( Screaming )

Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!

( People shouting )

>> My wife is not going back

to brandfort.

>> She is in violation

of her banning orders

merely by being in soweto.

Huh?

I can't change the law

to suit you or your family,

or my family, for that matter.

>> No, you cannot, but you do

have some discretion

in how it is enforced.

I trust you will exercise

that discretion in reaching

a just and proper decision.

>> I can't make any promises.

>> Let me put it another way,

Mr. Coetsee.

We know that your troubles

are multiplying.

>> Heh. Don't begin

with that tack again.

>> We know about the raids,

the police crackdowns.

Every day, the cells of your

jails grow more and more

crowded with angry

and defiant young men.

It is an irreversible tide

you are opposing.

You and I are talking

because we believe the future

will be very different

than the past.

With that in mind, I urge you

to treat my wife humanely.

Do you understand me?

>> I will see what I can do.

But that's all I'm saying,

Mr. Mandela.

>> Do your best.

Our country...

Is running out of time.

>> Newscaster: Overnight,

seven men were shot dead

by police, who say they

opened fire when rioters

attacked black policemen's

homes with petrol bombs.

>> Second newscaster:

Tensions in the black

townships on the east rand

have been rising for weeks.

Today, only hours after the

overnight shootings,

the call went out to mourn

and Bury four young blacks

who died mysteriously

in hand grenade explosions

a fortnight ago.

The local people have cause

to stay away from work,

as several thousands

ventured to a local sports

stadium for the funerals.

>> These terrorists will run

out of steam, I assure you.

>> When do you think their

steam will run out?

>> Just give it time.

>> Time is beginning

to run out, I'm afraid.

>> You're driving at something,

de klerk. Out with it.

( Knock on door )

>> Yes, what?

>> Sir, you'd better read this.

>> The congress of

the United States has voted

to institute economic sanctions

against US.

Our friend, Mr. Reagan--

whom you understood US

so well--will sign the bill

into law.

>> It is of no consequence!

We will not be bullied!

>> If it was simply a matter

of being bullied, there would

be no problem.

I would welcome the attention.

But the world has decided that

South Africa doesn't exist.

>> Then that is their delusion.

>> Economic sanctions from the

most powerful nation in

the world is no delusion.

>> Stand firm with me,

gentlemen--

for our fatherland,

for god's sake.

( People screaming )

( Screaming continues )

>> Winnie: Yesterday, another

police informant was given

the necklace of shame!

Wear the uniform

of our oppressors,

wear the necklace of

the people's justice!

>> All: Viva!

>> We have to face this

government's mighty weapons

of destruction to gain

our freedom.

>> All: Viva!

>> Viva! We have no guns.

Only stones, boxes of matches,

and petrol.

But with our boxes of matches,

hand in hand together,

we shall liberate

this country!

>> All: Viva!

>> Winnie...

Have you lost your mind?

>> I said what needed

to be said. I have no regret.

>> Well, you should.

Our movement is based on the

moral strength of our ideas

and our ideals.

There is nothing moral about

dousing a man with petrol

and burning him to death

in the middle of--

>> nor is there anything moral

about them pimpies,

these traitors and informants

in our neighborhood who have

turned our lives in to hell.

>> You will never, ever

jeopardize this movement,

our family and your life,

with this kind of

ill-conceived outburst.

Do you hear me?

>> Yes. I hear that you are

telling me I cannot speak

my own mind.

>> I am telling you that

you are not an individual.

You do not speak for yourself.

You speak for the African

national congress.

You speak for a cause--

of freedom, justice,

and equality for all people.

And you speak

for Nelson Mandela.

And you will not bring harm

or dishonor to all we have

worked for with these kinds of

incendiary and intemperate

remarks.

Are we clear?

>> Mm.

>> Are we clear?!

>> Yes.

We are.

>> ( Grunts )

>> Are you all right?

>> I'm fine, fine.

>> Good god, man.

>> I'm afraid I'm not

as strong as I pre--

ohh!

>> Mr. Mandela!

( Blows whistle )

>> He has tuberculosis.

They have to operate.

>> T.b.?

>> Oh, no.

>> You don't cure t.B.

By operating on it.

>> He has fluid on his lungs.

>> Good evening, Mr. Mandela.

Are you ready?

>> Let's get it over with,

doctor.

( Laughs )

>> Something wrong,

Mr. Mandela?

>> I was just thinking--

how do I know that, under that

mask of yours, you are not

really president botha?

( All laugh )

Ah, sergeant.

Finally, you have come

to fetch me.

>> Yes, I have.

You're looking good.

>> Thank you.

I hope they missed me

back there.

>> They certainly did,

I can assure you of that.

>> It will be nice to see

my old friends again.

>> You're not going to be

seeing them for a while,

I'm afraid.

>> Why?

What happened?

>> You're not going back

to pollsmoor.

Orders.

>> Where are they sending me?

>> You've got complete

run of the house,

including the swimming pool.

There's a TV, stereo,

access to as many newspapers,

magazines and books

as you like.

Uncensored.

You'll receive

all your mail here--

censored, I'm afraid.

All the creature comforts

of home, hmm?

Including more frequent

and unsupervised family visits.

So...what do you think, eh?

>> Tell your president

I appreciate my new home.

And he should come by

and visit me in it sometime.

( Knock on door )

>> Is he ready?

>> Just a minute.

He'll be ready in a minute.

Here we go--your jacket.

>> First-class service.

>> No, no, no, no.

>> I like it, I like it.

>> That tie won't work.

Here.

>> Ah, a windsor knot.

I much prefer them.

I much prefer them.

>> Okay, let's go.

>> Good luck.

( Indistinct chatter )

>> Wait, wait.

>> What?

>> Your shoelaces.

>> Ah. Heh heh.

Forgive me, I had forgotten.

It's been 25 years since I've

been all dressed up like this.

>> Please come.

>> Thank you.

>> Mr. Mandela.

Please.

>> Mr. Mandela, it gives me

great pleasure to introduce

to you the president,

p.w. Botha.

>> Mr. Mandela.

>> Mr. President.

>> Please, sit down.

>> Thank you.

>> Tea for you?

>> Thank you.

>> So, you're recovery from

tuberculosis has gone well?

>> Quite, thank you for asking.

And you? I had heard

you had had a slight--

>> stroke, yeah.

Some people seemed to think

it would knock me back a bit,

but I showed those young people

a thing or two.

You know, they call me

die groot krokodil.

>> ( Laughs )

The big crocodile, yeah.

>> But I prefer to think of

myself as a bull.

An old bull.

And in my culture, an old bull

is a powerful symbol.

>> In my xhosa culture as well,

Mr. President.

>> Well, then, we've both

shown them what a couple of

old bulls can do, huh?

( All laugh )

>> We say that when you yoke

two bulls together,

they pull hardest when they

cooperate, Mr. President.

>> Yeah.

Well, Mr. Mandela, I think you

and I have a lot to talk about.

>> I don't think there is

anything we can't solve,

Mr. President.

>> Good.

>> To start, I would like to

discuss the possibility

of releasing my compatriot

Walter sisulu.

The years have not been

easy on him.

>> Yes. Well, I'll have my

ministers look to that matter,

rest assured.

Is there anything else,

Mr. Mandela?

>> Obviously, there are many

matters, Mr. President.

>> Good.

I'm happy to have had this

opportunity to meet with you,

Mr. Mandela.

You're an interesting man.

>> But, sir, you can't be

leaving just yet.

>> I must, I'm afraid.

I have pressing business

elsewhere.

I only wanted this to be

a courtesy meeting anyway.

I'm sure you will understand.

Once again, a pleasure.

>> Newscaster: A 14-year-old

boy was found murdered

earlier this morning in the

home of Winnie Mandela.

Authorities are conducting

an investigation to determine

the motive and responsibility

for his death.

Meanwhile, according to

police, an autopsy will be

performed in accordance with

the ongoing investigation.

( Newscast continues )

>> It's very bad.

A boy was killed in the house.

14 years old, they say.

>> Winnie--

was she there?

>> We don't know.

>> I think you should arrange

for her to come see me,

discuss the matter.

Winnie...

Were you there?

>> No.

I was not. I told you.

>> Did you know what these

young men of yours were doing

to the boy?

>> They are not my young men.

They are my bodyguards.

>> Did you know what

they were doing to--

>> no. I do not want to

discuss this!

It has nothing to do with me.

I gave that boy refuge

in my house, that is all.

Please, let's just leave it.

>> I insist that you face it.

>> I knew nothing.

Why are you cross-examining me

like this?

I am innocent.

I did not lay a hand

on that boy.

>> I believe you, winnie.

>> I trust people too much.

That has always been

my problem.

>> No. Your problem is that

you trust the wrong people.

You have to ask yourself--

what did you do to let this

evil into your house?

This can be a political

embarrassment, winnie.

But first and foremost,

it is a tragedy.

A young boy was murdered.

>> I know nothing about it.

>> Winnie, listen.

I have started a process

the end of which cannot

be predicted.

I cannot say what tactics

the regime will employ

against me.

I have to be constantly

vigilant.

This business about the boy,

this tragedy, tugs at my mind,

drags me away from where

my mind should be.

Do you understand?

Do you?

>> I am not like you, Nelson--

all analysis and discipline

and will.

I smash into things.

I yell, I scream, I cry.

I make mistakes.

Stompie was a mistake.

>> That is not good enough,

winnie.

This was not merely a mistake.

A boy died in your house.

>> I know.

>> These bodyguards of yours--

what do they call themselves--

the mandela football club?

Get rid of them.

>> Yes, of course. Yes.

>> Try not to make

any more mistakes.

Our enemies seize on them

and turn them against US.

>> Please, let's not fight

over it.

I just have these few moments

with you.

Let's not spend them fighting.

Please.

>> Newscaster: In what could

be the country's biggest ever

legal strike, the union

has called on 200,000 men...

>> Second newscaster:

36 black railwaymen came out

of the South African state

railway's company, dismissed

as 16,000 of their colleagues

who refused to return to work

after six weeks of their

national strike.

>> Third newscaster: Other

major unions are talking

of strike in support

if history repeats itself.

>> All: A.N.C.! A.N.C.! A.N.C.!

>> Everybody here?

>> Yes.

( Indistinct chatter )

>> Mr. President, I'm speaking

to you not only as chairman

of the party and a member

of the cabinet, but as a friend

and as an admirer.

We have all learned a great

deal from you, sir.

You are a strong,

proud warrior, a defender

of the traditions that have

made our nation great, and--

>> yes, yes, yes.

Sit, gentlemen.

That's all very fine, but you

know and I know that you did

not come all the way out here

at 8:30 in the morning

to flatter me.

If you have something to say,

then say it.

>> Sir...you've had two strokes

within the past year.

You've resigned your

chairmanship of

the national party, where

Mr. De klerk has replaced you.

>> Not my choice.

But go on.

>> With respect, sir, we think

you should consider playing

a more--how shall I put it?

>> You want me to resign?

>> ( Sighs ) We think

you should appoint

an acting president,

take a rest for a while.

>> If you want me to resign,

then say so.

>> Well, at least until after

the elections, sir,

by which time you--

>> enough! So...This is how

you all feel, is it?

Answer me.

Who agrees with him?

So...

Well, let me tell you what

I think of you.

You are cowards.

>> This isn't an argument,

Mr. President.

We are here to tell you

that it's time to stand down.

>> No! You stand down!

And you! You!

I should fire all of you.

I have the right.

I'm still president,

you hypocrites.

>> Mr. President, the country

needs new leadership.

The failure of the mandela

talks, the failure to resolve

the violence in the townships--

>> all I need is time!

>> And now there's evidence

of scandal and corruption.

Mr. President...

There is an election coming up.

You asked me to be frank.

Well, then, sir...

You have become a liability

to our party.

>> You go too far.

>> Will you resign?

>> Yes!

Yes!

I will resign.

And tonight, I will go

on television and announce

to the world what a pack of

liars and traitors you all are.

I'm finished with

with the lot of you.

Liars, all of you! Liars!

>> Congratulations,

Mr. President.

>> Good work.

>> Thank you.

>> Hear, hear, Mr. President.

>> Well done, sir.

>> Good evening.

>> Good evening, Mr. President.

May I introduce

Mr. Nelson Mandela?

>> Mr. Mandela.

Good to meet you.

>> ( Speaks afrikaans )

>> I'd heard that you spoke

fluent afrikaans, Mr. Mandela.

>> I haven't had much

practice for a while.

>> Please. Thank you,

minister coetsee.

I've read some of your

writings--

a speech from the '50s,

your statement prior to

your imprisonment in 1964.

Please.

You are a most eloquent and

passionate man, Mr. Mandela.

>> Thank you.

Let US hope that our discourse

is marked more by eloquence

than passion.

>> Please, sit down.

You understand--

I make no promises.

>> As long as our conversations

take US forward.

>> Well, then, a good sign

of progress would be

an end to the armed struggle

on your side,

a commitment to peace.

>> For now, my willingness

to talk is precisely the

commitment to peace you seek.

>> Let me put it this way--

I want your guarantee--

>> excuse me, Mr. President.

I can offer you no guarantee

of any kind.

I'd have to speak with

my colleagues first.

>> Well, how can that work?

Most of your people are

officially banned and living

in exile.

>> Of course.

But if that is

an inconvenience, you can

always UN-ban the a.N.C.

And let our leaders come home

so they can give you their

assurances in person.

>> That's impossible.

At this time.

>> At this time.

>> I'm a realist, Mr. Mandela.

Once my government commits

itself to negotiations,

both you and I know

what the outcome must be.

>> Free and Democratic

elections for all the people.

>> Mm-hmm. I am under

no delusions.

But I will not countenance

power-grabbing.

Power-sharing, yes.

But not the blind abandonment

of all power.

>> Majority rule

is not power-grabbing.

>> No whites would be

comfortable in a country

dominated by blacks.

>> For more than 300 years,

you have been dominated

by blacks.

You've simply never

acknowledged the fact.

>> We must have some say

in the future.

>> If you are talking

about anything less than

one person, one vote, it is

a non-negotiable item.

>> The rest of Africa

is full of the relics

of democracies that gave

one man one vote...

Once.

Mr. Mandela...

Everything is negotiable.

>> I'm sorry, sir.

But what you are proposing

is nothing less than

a transparent attempt

to maintain white control.

>> You're being unduly cynical,

Mr. Mandela.

>> That is a matter of opinion,

Mr. President.

>> Well...we will have to

change it, then.

You and I are both going to

have to be willing to make

some compromises.

If we want to set

ground rules, we need to

begin negotiations.

>> Mr. President, I don't mean

to flatter you when I say that

I sense an integrity here

that has not distinguished

many of your predecessors.

So, yes...

I agree.

>> Good.

Then let's begin.

I've crossed the point

of no return, kobie.

I've embarked on my own

perestroika.

>> Yeah. The trick now

is not to suffer the same fate

as gorbachev.

>> Do you know that mandela

was once a boxer?

>> Yeah.

>> He'll know that you've got

to roll with the punches.

He'll expect me to give ground,

but he can't expect me

to commit suicide.

I will not go down in history

as the man who destroyed

his own people.

>> So, marike, you and Frederik

used to all the pomp

and ceremony here?

>> There's not as much of that

around as with Mr. Botha.

But it's been quite a year,

thank you very much.

>> I'm very proud of you,

Frederik.

>> Thank you, thank you.

>> And when I think

how I used to nag you.

>> Don't stop nagging me now.

I've come to rely on it.

( Laughter )

>> What about all the unrest,

Frederik, hmm?

Are you going to maintain--

>> all part of the job.

It's going to be all right.

>> The people expect

so much of him.

You're only one man, Frederik.

>> Do you remember what

the reverend bingle said

at my inauguration?

"He who stands in the council

chamber of god should be strong

in his willingness to pursue

the right course and push

forward new reforms."

>> It was quite a sermon.

>> Yes, but from the pulpit,

the world is a simple place.

Frederik, you can't change

the world overnight.

I don't care what anyone says.

>> It seems to me that there is

a just road to be taken.

I don't know, some people will

hate me for what I'm going

to do, but I have to move

forward, and I have to believe

that my vision of the future

isn't simply an accident.

( Overlapping chatter )

>> Yes, yes.

Listen to me.

Listen! Listen!

The time has come for our

nation to take a new course,

to bridge the gap between

political fantasy

and practical reality.

As a result, today and

henceforth, the policy of

social engineering

known as apartheid

will cease to exist.

( Overlapping chatter )

All political prisoners will

have their cases reviewed,

and the minister of justice

will determine which prisoners

will be freed.

( Singing )

( Cheering )

>> Madiba.

( Speaking native language )

( Both laughing )

>> Madiba.

>> Gabi.

>> ( Speaking native language )

( Laughter )

>> Good, good, good, good.

>> Madiba.

>> Raymond.

>> See you.

>> Nervous?

>> It's been such a long time,

Nelson.

Freedom--i always knew

it would come, but...

>> I'll be joining you soon.

>> Until then?

>> Agitate.

Old lion.

Agitate.

>> ( Sighs )

( Engine starts )

>> ( Man speaking afrikaans )

( People chanting )

>> De klerk: Marike, I need

you to understand what i'm

trying to do.

>> South Africa was given

to US by god, Frederik.

It's our homeland.

And what you are doing

frightens me.

>> It is frightening,

I know that.

Don't you think I feel that

as well?

I have to push forward.

If we don't share this country,

we afrikaaners will lose it.

>> It's not the sharing

that frightens me.

It's the anger of terre'blanche

and his people.

You've read the reports.

This could lead to civil war,

Frederik--white against white,

brother against brother.

>> There is only one possible

country for both the blacks and

the whites of South Africa,

and that is the future.

The future is where we live

from now on, and we have to

accustom ourselves to that

thought, or prepare ourselves

for a war without an end.

>> We've fought before.

We fought the English.

>> And we lost.

We have to learn

from our history.

The past no longer works,

the present isn't any better.

Have faith in me, marike.

I am trying to save

our country.

I won't give our fathers'

legacies away.

Marike.

>> Reporter: Mr. President,

there are suggestions, sir,

that elements of the

intelligence community

and the army are directly

involved in fomenting

violence among the blacks.

>> That is a vicious rumor

without any basis in reality.

( Reporters shouting at once )

I'll tell you unequivocally

there are no secret government

agencies connected in any way

with any of these incidents.

You have my word on that.

( Men shouting

in native language )

>> Mandela: How do you expect

me to take these talks

seriously when people in your

government have armed

the inkatha freedom party

in kwazulu-natal?

>> That is absolute nonsense.

To what purpose?

>> To neutralize the a.N.C.--

what else?

By intimidation and

assassination, your people have

given inkatha carte blanche

to create havoc.

>> Chief buthelezi has the

overwhelming support of

the majority of people

in his province.

He doesn't need me to whip up

support for him.

>> Then how do they have

so many guns?

>> How does the a.N.C.?

>> Certainly not supplied

by your government.

>> Damn you, Mr. Mandela.

You give a person so little

room to maneuver.

>> I have had very little room

to maneuver myself

for two decades.

One learns to adapt.

>> Those are hardly the words

one expects from a retired

revolutionary.

>> Mr. President, if you expect

me to go out to pasture

upon my release--

whenever that is--

you are greatly mistaken.

If I find conditions are

the same as they were the day

I was arrested, I will go back

to doing precisely those things

for which I was imprisoned.

>> Now, that helps no one.

>> Then UN-ban the a.N.C.

And all other political parties

on your banning list.

Release the political prisoners

and allow the exiles to return.

>> Mr. Mandela, I will take

everything that you have said

under advisement.

>> I know.

No promises.

>> De klerk: I have ordered

that the prohibition of the

African national congress,

the pan-African congress,

the South African communist

party and 33 other

organizations, be lifted

with immediate effect.

( Overlapping chatter )

As to the position of

Nelson Mandela, I will make

an announcement within

the next few days concerning

the date of his release.

( Overlapping chatter )

It is very important to me

that discussions with

the a.N.C. Begin at once.

Our troubles have caused US

enough pain and suffering.

The time for negotiation

has arrived.

( Overlapping shouts )

I can't very well carry on

important negotiations like

these with an inmate, can I?

>> Release me? But--

I mean, when?

>> Tomorrow.

>> Mr. President,

tomorrow is much too soon.

Please, delay my release.

>> I beg your pardon?

>> I don't want to appear

ungrateful, Mr. President,

but I must insist that you

delay any plans for my release.

>> You're joking, of course.

>> I need seven days

so my family can prepare

for my release.

There will be chaos out there

if I simply walk out.

>> Damn it, man,

I'm freeing you!

>> I've waited 27 years.

Certainly I can wait

seven more days.

>> A government plane will

take you back to Johannesburg,

where you'll be officially

released.

Please sit down, Mr. Mandela.

>> Mr. President...

I will walk out of the gates

of Victor verster prison

in seven days.

And on that date, I will

personally thank all those

who have looked after me.

And I will greet the people

of Cape Town.

>> Look here, Mr. Mandela.

We have already set

your itinerary--

>> Mr. President...

Cape Town has been my home

for nearly 30 years.

There are people in Cape Town

I must--

>> but we have a schedule.

>> Yes, Johannesburg.

Well, I will make my own way

back there when I choose,

not when the government

wants me to.

Once I am free, I will look

after myself.

>> Mr. Mandela, we can't change

plans now.

I've already told the press.

>> How dare you speak to the

press without consulting me?

>> I'm the president, not you!

>> I will be released

when I say so...

And not a day sooner!

>> Uh, Mr. President?

Maybe we...

>> All right, then.

I will agree to Victor verster

if you will agree

to release tomorrow.

>> I can accept that.

>> Mr. Mandela, must you

fight me on every issue?

>> Must you, Mr. President?

>> Hurry up, everybody.

We are running late.

>> Okay, the press will be

waiting at the gate for you.

Sabc-TV has asked that you

leave the car 100 feet

from the gate

and walk through the gate.

>> Is that what they call

a photo opportunity?

>> You are learning fast.

>> ( Sighs )

I've known no other great men

in my life, Mr. Mandela, but...

You know what I want to say.

>> Thank you for your many

kindnesses through the years.

I know we will meet again.

♪♪

>> Newscaster: We can see

the caravan almost

approaching the gates now.

Yes. Yes, the crowd is

beginning to push forward.

They've waited many hours

for this moment, and the

world has waited many years.

Nelson Mandela will walk

through these gates

of Victor verster prison

to freedom.

>> My god, so many people.

>> They love you, Nelson.

>> I never realized.

( Cheering )

>> Newscaster: He's walking

towards the car--the car that

will probably take him

to Cape Town.

Mr. Mandela, leaving--

finally leaving the

Victor verster prison--

his home for the last

40 months.

>> Second newscaster: And in

Cape Town, huge crowds--

waiting in the exhausting

summer sun all day for

Mr. Mandela's first words

to the world at a rally--

were growing restless.

>> All: A.N.C.! A.N.C.! A.N.C.!

( Chanting continues )

>> "I will not give our

fathers' legacies away."

Oh, Frederik...Where are

the crowds for you now--

the man who opened up

this brave new era,

the man who freed mandela?

>> A remarkable scene today

at jan smuts international

airport as Oliver tambo,

head of the formerly outlawed

African national congress,

returned to South Africa

after nearly 30 years in exile.

Among those gathered to meet

him were close colleagues

Nelson Mandela, Walter sisulu,

Joe slovo of the South African

communist party,

and Chris hani.

Speculation is that talks will

now move swiftly head on

a negotiated settlement

between the government and

the leaders of black

political organizations.

But, for most of the people

around the world, two men

will hold center stage--

president f.W. De klerk

and Nelson Mandela.

>> Good beginning.

>> But only a beginning.

( Reporters shouting at once )

>> More than 500 blacks have

died so far, and more blood

was shed this morning in

a township near Johannesburg.

The violence started after

a rally addressed by the

inkatha leader,

chief buthelezi.

>> Second newscaster:

The casualty rate is climbing

faster than ever.

100 killed today, over 500

in the past ten days.

( Shouting )

>> Mandela: Lies.

Lies. We would not kill

our own people.

>> There were no whites

present.

It was blacks killing blacks.

The evidence is clear.

>> No, not clear. Obscured.

>> The investigation clearly

shows that the a.N.C.

Was behind it.

>> You sent the fox

to investigate the chickens.

>> For god's sake, Mr. Mandela,

what would we possibly gain

from massacring

innocent people?

>> You have much to gain.

The more fear you sow amongst

the people, the more votes you

might gain in the elections.

>> The election?

We don't even have a date

for any election.

>> Elections are coming,

Mr. President, as we both know.

And either you, or members of

your security establishment,

are manipulating events.

>> Manipulating events? Why?

>> To affect the outcome

of those elections.

>> This is complete nonsense,

Mr. Mandela.

>> All right.

Appoint an independent

commission to investigate

the massacre at boipatong.

I will abide by their findings.

>> And if I don't?

>> You will leave US no choice

but to resume

the armed struggle.

( People shouting )

>> Madiba!

Untie our hands!

>> Listen to me!

Listen!

>> We have guns, too!

Our enemies need to know that!

( Cheering )

>> Wait a minute.

Now, the a.N.C.--

( crowd shouting )

Wait a minute!

The a.N.C.--We have--

( crowd chanting )

Wait a minute.

Hold it. We must--

( chanting continues )

>>Listen to me!

Listen to me!

Yes, we are angry,

and we are full of rage.

And we have every right to be!

( Cheering )

But if I am to pick up my gun

and pull the trigger, I want to

be damn sure I'm aiming

at the right target!

( All shouting )

>> Kobie.

>> Hmm? Ah. As you requested,

Mr. President--the results

of the independent British

investigation.

>> And?

>> It confirmed the a.N.C.'S

allegations, sir.

The police apparently escorted

the attackers into the township

and then back out again.

>> The police?

I--i can't believe that

the police would--

>> the reports are consistent.

There were 39 people shot,

hacked, and stabbed to death--

among them a nine-month-old

baby, a four-year old girl,

and 24 women, one of whom

was pregnant.

Of the survivors, nobody would

talk to the police.

They are convinced that

the authorities were involved.

>> So, the a.N.C.

Is not to blame.

Mandela was right.

We are responsible.

I'm going to the township.

>> The township?

>> I want them to know that

I care.

>> That's not a good idea.

>> There's too much at stake--

the talks, my presidency.

>> Sir--

>> I am the president

of South Africa.

I have to be there.

( People shouting )

>> It's no use, Mr. President.

We have to get out.

>> Driver.

>> I've been a member of

the South African police force

for ten years.

For five years, I've attached

to a secret organization

inside the police force--

the c-10 unit.

We were a hit squad.

Our job was to spy on civilian

enemies of the state

and to commit assassinations

when ordered.

We delivered money, arms,

to buthelezi's inkatha freedom

party, for them to use

against the a.N.C.

We were told that our orders

were cleared by top

government people.

>> I tell you, I knew nothing.

>> Don't tell me that.

No leader of a nation can claim

that sort of ignorance.

>> My political career is

staked entire on our success,

Mr. Mandela.

Why would I allow something

like this to proceed if i--

>> you chose to see

what you wanted to--

>> who are you to accuse me?

I have been honest with you--

>> you turned away from that

which you did not want--

>> I've staked my career on the

success of these negotiations.

Now you tell me--

>> and when it was convenient,

simply forgot everything

in between.

That is true, isn't it?

>> Think what you will,

Mr. Mandela.

But I am still the president

of South Africa, and I am

the one who will determine

both of our futures.

>> You will determine nothing,

Mr. President.

Any leader who chooses to

remain blind when vision is

what our nation needs

is a lost man.

A lost man can never lead

anywhere.

>> So what happens now?

>> In a few days, there will be

the usual exchanges of

communique and notes between

between our intermediaries.

De klerk and I will engage in

long-distance name-calling

in the press, and after that,

god only knows.

In the meantime, perhaps you

and I can find some time for

ourselves at last.

What is it, winnie?

>> These came today.

They are charging me with

kidnapping and assault

of stompie seipei.

>> Mandela: Walter, you know

what this case is about.

It is an election ploy.

By prosecuting her, they hope

to do damage to me.

Why do you think the government

waited so long before they

brought her to court?

>> It's a pity she's given them

so many opportunities.

>> Walter, we are all friends,

but there is a line.

>> Even within the a.N.C.,

there are those people--

>> you image I care what

people think?

She is my wife and the mother

of my daughters.

She has supported me

faithfully for 30 years.

I will not abandon her now.

>> Madiba, you are the father

of the nation, a symbol

to the entire world.

Our country's in turmoil,

and the success of our

negotiations hangs by a thread.

>> I will be faithful to her.

>> Madiba, I hadn't meant

to raise this,

but there's a letter.

Winnie wrote it.

>> A letter?

From winnie?

>> In her own handwriting.

The press, I'm afraid,

have copies.

I've persuaded them not to

print it before the trial

is over.

More than that I could not do.

>> In finding Mrs. Mandela

guilty of kidnapping and

assaulting 14-year-old

stompie seipei, the judge

stressed that no connection

has been established between

the accused and the death

of the young boy.

Stompie was allegedly killed

by members of a football team

sponsored by Mrs. Mandela,

some of whom also acted

as her bodyguards.

The police still have not

been able to establish

a motive for the murder

of the young activist.

Suzanne baez, sabc-TV news,

Johannesburg.

>> They think they have

beaten me.

I will take their verdict

to the appellate division.

I have been here before.

>> Winnie, you are facing

six years in prison.

>> Who are they to judge me?

>> I held on so tightly to

the belief in your innocence.

>> And you can continue.

Stompie made his choice.

I could not have saved him.

No one could.

>> I didn't even consider

the alternatives.

>> Stompie was a traitor.

No one could have saved him,

Nelson.

No one could.

We were at war.

>> With children?

>> So, I am to be sacrificed?

Madiba...

I love you. How could you--

>> oh...don't say those words

to me, winnie, not now.

Don't use that word

to describe what our

relationship has been since

I was released from prison.

This is the early edition

of tomorrow's newspaper.

Did you think I didn't know?

That I couldn't guess?

Was he just one more lapse of

judgment, or were there others?

>> So...

Will you leave...

Or shall I?

>> This is your home.

I will leave.

We will make a simple

announcement.

We will salvage what dignity

we can.

>> Why must you do this?

>> Because every cell in my

body tells me not to.

>> ( Grunts )

( Gunshots )

( Grunting )

>> Aaaaah!

>> The violence happened on

a day of mourning for the

assassinated black leader

Chris hani.

Demonstrators converged on

one of soweto's main

police stations.

The police opened fire

on the crowd.

Three people died instantly.

>> Is that the peace?

How should we

convince people that--

( people chanting )

>> I'm aware that there is

little trust between US,

Mr. Mandela.

You must know that the country

is in danger of blowing up

in both our faces.

>> What do you want from me?

>> Hani's assassination has

brought US to the bring of

a race war.

I can't stop it.

The people--the blacks--

they won't listen to US.

I'm asking you to use

all your skills.

Say something.

Talk to your people--

our people.

Calm the situation.

You're a leader.

You have a responsibility to--

>> how dare you say that to me?

You, who coddled inkatha.

You, who ignored the corruption

and venality in your security

forces, and pleaded ignorance

at the complicity of

the police force in all of

the political murders

throughout our country.

And now, when your credibility

has been destroyed,

you come to me.

>> Think of me what you will,

Mr. Mandela, but I love this

country as deeply as you do.

This is my home, too.

The elections are not far away.

I'm asking you to help me

preserve what we have built

until then.

>> Mandela: Tonight, I am

reaching out to each

and every South African--

black and white--from the

very depths of my heart.

A white man--full of

prejudice and hate--

came to our country and

and committed a deed so foul

that our whole nation totters

on the brink of disaster.

But a white woman--

an afrikaaner woman--

memorized the license plate

on his car and risked her

life by calling the police

and pointing out the killer.

This is a watershed moment

for all of US.

We must, I believe, use our

pain, our grief and our

outrage, to move forward

to what is the only lasting

solution for our country--

a democratically elected

government, representing all

the people of our country.

In that--not more killing--

lies the future of our nation.

And that is the legacy

our fallen son leaves US.

We dare not stain it.

( Singing )

South Africa has opened a new

chapter in its history.

For the first time,

18 million black men and

women have begun voting

to decide who will run

their country.

By early this morning,

people who'd already walked

miles to walk to get to

the polling stations were

snaking hundreds of yards

through the streets.

In the white suburbs, where

the pressure was lighter,

they bussed black people

into the township.

And here, too, there was

a great sense of joy.

>> I was very happy that

we're doing the right thing.

>> Indeed, it's a new

South Africa.

♪♪

( All cheering )

( Cheering )

>> ( Cheering on

television )

>> Newscaster: The latest

returns show that

Nelson Mandela, of the

African national congress,

has gained 62.6% of the vote

and won in an unprecedented

landslide.

♪♪

>> Well...

We did it.

Old friend.

We finally did it.

( Cheering )

We have at last achieved

our political emancipation.

We pledge ourselves to

liberate all our people

from the continuing bondage

of poverty, deprivation,

suffering, gender inequality,

and other discriminations.

A rainbow nation at peace

with itself and the rest of

the world--

never, never, and never again

shall it be that this beautiful

land will again experience

the oppression of one

by another.

( Cheering )

The sun shall never set

on so glorious a human

achievement.

Let freedom ring.

God bless Africa.

( Cheering )

>> Congratulations,

Mr. President.

>> Thank you.

( Cheering continues )

( Chanting )

>> All: Viva!

( Jets fly overhead )

( Reporters shouting )

>> Good evening, sir.

>> Good evening.

>> Good night, Mr. President.

>> Judge: ...Of sabotage and

conspiracy against the state.

In the case of accused

number one, Nelson Mandela,

the sentence is

life imprisonment.

Accused number two,

Walter sisulu--

life imprisonment.

Accused number three...

( Voice fades out )

>> Mandela: During my

lifetime, I have dedicated

myself to this struggle of

the African people.

I have fought against white

domination, and I have fought

against black domination.

I have cherished the ideals

of a Democratic free society

in which all persons live

in Harmony and with

equal opportunity.

It is an ideal which I hope

to live for and achieve.

♪♪

♪♪

♪ Mandela ♪

♪ symbol to the world ♪

♪ a teacher for our people ♪

♪ father of our nation ♪

♪ a true son of Africa ♪

♪ for all to hope ♪

♪ yeah, yeah ♪

♪ yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

♪ brought a nation together ♪

♪ ohh ♪

♪ by the color of one heart ♪

( Lyrics indistinct )

♪ And honesty for life ♪

♪ yeah, he's there ♪

♪ for one and all ♪

♪ a love that's so bold ♪

♪ and a passion for life ♪

♪ the fabled brother ♪

♪ gentle heart with love ♪

♪ mandela ♪

♪ symbol to the world ♪

♪ a teacher for our people ♪

♪ father of our nation ♪

♪ you taught life ♪

♪ with a guiding hand ♪

( Lyrics indistinct )

♪ You set the nation free ♪

♪ gave it power ♪

( Lyrics indistinct )

♪ You set the nation free ♪

♪ ohh, ohh, ohh ♪

♪ mandela ♪

♪ symbol to the world ♪

♪ a teacher for our people ♪

♪ father of our nation ♪

♪ one nation ♪

♪ Ohh, yeah, yeah ♪

♪ yeah ♪

( Singing in foreign language )