A lot of people here have been congratulating us on the presidential election, asking us if we’re excited and expressing their thoughts on Obama. We thought we’d share some quotes and headlines found in the local newspapers.

“The voting in of the first black American president has many people thinking back more than a decade ago, to another election on a different continent, when the world erupted in similar ecstasies of renewed hope. Desmond Tutu himself has said: ‘It is almost as when Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa in 1994.’”

(source: The Star)

“In July, the U.S. Senator sent a birthday video message to Mandela in which he said: ‘When I visited South Africa a few years ago, I had a chance to go to Robben Island and stand in your cell, and I reflected on your…fundamental belief that we do not have to accept the world as it is; that we can remake the world as as it should be.’”

(source: The Star)

“Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.” —Former South African President and anti-Apartheid icon Nelson Mandela

(source: The Sowetan)

“Despite the vast differences in their personal backgrounds, [Mandela and Obama] have—by ascending to their respective countries’ number one position of power—imbued black people with a sense of pride and limitless opportunity.”

(source: The Star)

“‘It’s an epoch-making event filling the whole world with hope that change in possible. It is just tremendous; it is saying to people of colour that for them, the sky is the limit,’ said [Desmond] Tutu.”

(source: The Star)

“Your election to this high office of the American people carries with it hope for millions of your countrymen and women as much as it is for millions of people, particularly of African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the diaspora.” —South African President Kgalema Motlanthe

(source: The Sowetan)

While there is clearly a lot of support and excitement for Obama here in South Africa, many here also recognize the enormous challenges he will face from his first day in office. And while I personally am uneasy with the idea (because I know as a country we are far, far from perfect), many in South Africa look to the U.S. as source of hope and inspiration, and this election reminds them that anything is possible. Pastor Vincent even remarked that many African leaders could take a lesson from Obama, who he sees to be a humble man.

Related posts:

1. About South Africa
2. About This Endeavor: Our Calling to South Africa

Filed under: General by Nathan on November 6th, 2008