Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem De Klerk
Were awarded the Peace Prize for their coordinated work
To end the cycle of violence, hatred and bigotry
That South Africa’s apartheid regime called its history.
De Klerk released Mandela from prison, blameless,
Despite his own party’s political hubris –
Undermined by global boycotts of their economy,
While internal civil war became ever more likely.
Mandela had been negotiating from prison to end
The apartheid society, develop bridges to mend
The “vicious circle” the country was caught up in.
They near-secretly created a model for a peaceful transition.
“The apartheid regime gave racism a face.”*
Their work showed great courage, integrity and grace.
