== Notes on "Republic" section == 

 Having just read Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom," I believe the ANC's role in establishing democracy is underrepresented in the "Republic" section of this article.  I point this out only because this underrepresentation appears to be misleading, though presumably unintentional.  Were it not for the efforts of Mandela and many other ANC members, the National Party would not have agreed to negotiate for democracy.  Indeed, it was in response to the ANC's demonstrations and declarations that Mr. Clerk began negotiations with Mr. Mandela.  This may seem a small detail, but in representing it correctly, a more accurate history of the development of South Africa is painted.  It was the ANC who spent decades directly and indirectly informing the National Party that negotiations were needed.  I believe Mandela's brilliant vision and lifelong efforts (and those of many other ANC leaders) should be recognized more profoundly in this section. 

 In speaking of his fellow "freedom-fighters," Mandela wrote: 

 "[T]he decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time  men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity that their like may never be known again.  Perhaps it requires such depth of oppression to create such heights of character.  My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds."  Nelson Mandela, p. 622, Long Walk to Freedom." 

 I believe it would pay fit tribute to these men to include a statement acknowledging that the ANC led the South African people to victory in the struggle to abolish apartheid and establish democracy.  The ANC was the instigator of talks with the government, not the other way around.   

 Thank you. 
   11/27/15  Kaite Williams