Nelson Mandela claims victory in South Africa’s first democratic elections 20 years ago tonight (May 2 1994)


Video: '5/2/1994: Nelson Mandela Wins Election'

(Monday, May 2, 1994) — An eruption of joy swept the vast black ghettos of South Africa tonight as Nelson Mandela claimed his presidential victory in South Africa’s first democratic elections; President F.W. de Klerk acknowledged defeat.