Mandela was a devout believer in democracy and would abide
by majority decisions even when deeply disagreeing with them. He held a conviction that "inclusivity, accountability and freedom of
speech" were the fundamentals of democracy,
and was driven by a belief in natural and human rights.
This belief drove him not only to pursue racial equality but also to promote
gay rights as part of the post-apartheid reforms.
Opening words of the Freedom Charter:
No government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.
The Freedom Charter was the statement of core principles of the South African Congress Alliance, which consisted of the African National Congress and its allies - the South African Indian Congress, the South African Congress of Democrats and the Coloured People's Congress. It is characterized by its opening demand: "The People Shall Govern!" The Charter was officially adopted on 26 June 1955 at a Congress of the People in Kliptown.
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