S. African politicians say Obama´s success inspiring

Source: Xinhua | 11-06-2008 10:40

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela congratulated U.S. president-elect Barack Obama on his victory on Wednesday, saying he was an inspiration to people all over the world.

"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," Mandela said in a letter to Obama.

"We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world. We trust that you will also make it the mission of your presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere," Mandela said.

Obama became the United States' first black president as his Republican rival John McCain conceded defeat in historic elections on Wednesday morning.

South African leaders congratulated him, expressing hope that his election would place Africa's problems higher on the global agenda.

"Your election to this high office of the American people carries with it hope for millions of your country men and women as much as it is for millions of people of particularly African descent both on the continent of Africa as well as those in the diaspora," interim President Kgalema Motlanthe said in a statement.

"We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa which remains a challenge for humanity will indeed continue to receive a greater attention of the focus of the new administration," added Motlanthe.