Mandela cheered at freedom concert

Mandela thanked the British people for their support

LONDON, England -- Former South African president Nelson Mandela received a rapturous welcome when he addressed a crowd of about 20,000 at the South Africa Freedom Day concert in London.

But Prime Minister Tony Blair, who led the 82-year-old arm-in-arm on to the specially-built stage, was greeted with a chorus of boos.

Mandela, wrapped up against the cold in an overcoat and scarf, paid tribute to Britain's role in ending apartheid in his country.

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"I am a proud and happy person to be here with the British people -- the British people, who have travelled down the road to freedom.

"I am happy to be in Trafalgar Square, where one of the most important battles of liberating South Africa was fought."

The welcoming speech by Blair, in contrast, was inaudible due to a technical hitch.

The Sunday concert, in aid of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Prince's Trust, marks the seventh anniversary of South Africa's Freedom Day weekend.

It is in part a gesture of thanks to the British people for their support in the battle against apartheid, which was shown in daily pavement vigils outside South Africa House which stands on the square.

Mandela said in an earlier statement that he wanted to demonstrate the "deep affection I have personally for the people of the UK.

"In the days of the struggle, we used to say, `If I'm not free, then neither are you'. The end of apartheid was a just victory -- achieved through the strong and committed partnership that exists between our two countries.

"Today the people of the United Kingdom, especially the youth, again take our hand in partnership, lending their support so that we do fully realise our aim of a better life and future for all in South Africa.

"Today is a landmark day in all our dreams for a new South Africa."

He broke into a huge smile as he acknowledged the deafening cheers from the crowd.

"There is one important aspect which we must not forget.

"The anti-apartheid movement stood alone and decided to help the people of South Africa to free themselves, and we must always remember them because there is a danger that now we are liberated we are brushing shoulders with the mighty and the rich and may forget those who pioneered the battle for liberty in our country."

Gripping hold of his microphone stand, he said: "I am now almost 100 years old but I am so proud of what I am, proud that my roots are in South Africa, that my gaze reaches beyond the horizon to places like Britain where we have numerous friends.

"I want to show you that South Africa is in good health."

He said: "Britain and the west, South Africa and Africa must hold hands and still stand together.

"We have to make sure that our children have a bright future in a world without tension, without conflict, where people can enjoy peace and sleep peacefully in their houses."

Mandela waved to the crowd before departing again on Blair's arm.

Pop groups The Corrs, Atomic Kitten and REM were due to perform on the stage, which was adorned with a gigantic South African flag.

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Nelson Mandela
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South Africa House
The Corrs

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