; Whereas, in 1993, Nelson Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and pledged to continue working towards a democratic, nonracial South Africa; Whereas a series of negotiations between the Government of South Africa and the ANC resulted in the abolishment of apartheid and an election in which almost 20,000,000 South Africans of all ethnicities cast their vote under a national policy of universal suffrage; Whereas Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of the Republic of South Africa on May 10, 1994, and pledged to lead a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist government for all people of South Africa; Whereas, during President Mandela’s tenure, there were distinct advancements in racial relations as South Africa transitioned from apartheid and minority rule to a country that aspired to achieve reconciliation, equality, and peace; Whereas, through President Mandela’s leadership, the spirit of ubuntu , the African philosophy of the interconnectedness, caring, sharing, and harmony of humanity, has spread throughout the world; Whereas, in 1999, President Mandela retired to private life in his town of birth, Qunu, Transkei; Whereas upon leaving elected office, President Mandela continued to fight for peace, reconciliation, and social justice causes including championing HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment; Whereas Nelson Mandela established a number of organizations, which include the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Elders, an independent group of public figures committed to addressing global problems and easing human suffering; Whereas, on September 21, 2013, the South African Embassy, led by Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, unveiled a Washington, DC, statue of President Mandela that was designed by sculptor Jean Doyle and modeled after images of the anti-apartheid leader leaving prison in 1990 after 27 years of incarceration; Whereas, on December 5, 2013, President Mandela died at age 95 surrounded by family and loved ones in his home