Hundreds converged on City Hall yesterday to express their jubilation at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa.

The crowds stood or sat in the heat as the Empress Menem dancers performed their expression of African pride. The energetic dancers whirled and stomped, flailing their arms, gesturing wildly with the rhythmic clicking of silver charms which were attached to their belts.

During their routine the dancers chanted loudly "Mandela, Mandela!'' to the obvious delight of the crowd.

Shine Hayward set the tone of the gathering as his emotional performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing'' visibly moved members of the audience. Many were seen to be forming the words of the music as the soprano saxophone solo rang out.

Teachers were seen leaning over their students reciting the words of the Negro National Anthem as children of all races sat on the grass holding hands, showing that the dream of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, along with countless others was well and truly alive.

"Nelson Mandela would be proud to be here,'' one woman in the crowd said to another. "Yes, I know,'' her friend said, "it's really unbelievable to know that apartheid doesn't exist any more after all this time.'' The Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan joined in the festivities, speaking about the equality that every South African could now claim. "Every man can now sit across the table and say: `I will be equal'.

"Democracy is alive and well. We have learned that we can never make progress without sacrifice. Nelson Mandela is a man of the world, not just South Africa, and we admire him because he emerged from jail without bitterness or anger.'' There were three men, the Premier felt, who had contributed to the successful transfer of power -- Mandela, Zulu Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and outgoing President F.W. deKlerk. It was President deKlerk, Premier Swan said, who must be given credit for leading South Africa toward democracy, because he did so under tremendous opposition.

Premier Swan also lauded local Anti-Apartheid Coalition leader Mr. Glen Fubler for his efforts, noting that at times he may have felt alone, but that there had always been some element of support.

Opposition Leader, Mr. Frederick Wade expressed his delight over the events of the day. "I watched President Mandela take the oath and make his speech today. I felt proud of the people of Bermuda who stood with Nelson Mandela and the ANC 30 years ago, and I am reminded of the people and the beginnings of the PLP almost 30 years ago.'' Glen Fubler and Canon (James) Francis have led us to this day. We all scoffed at their efforts, and all of that is now behind us. But we need to realise that South Africa has now passed Bermuda. We must demand that Bermuda move into the 20th century and (adopt) one man, one vote; one vote, one value. This must happen in the near future.'' Other participants included Ms Darlene Simmons, the Berkeley Institute Choir, and the gospel group, Lights of Guidance, as well as other Hamilton church choirs.

Rev. John C. Justice thanked God for the deliverance of South Africa, while praying for His mercy over Bosnia, Croatia, Haiti, Rwanda, Serbia and other strife-torn nations of Africa.

Also marking the historic day were supporters of the Human Rights group, Amnesty International. Advocates circulated throughout the crowd collecting signatures for a petition protesting the inhumane treatment of people in countries around the world.

Children from both Prospect Primary and Gilbert Institute schools walked to symbolise the courage and determination of a 103-year-old woman who walked two miles to vote in the elections, as well as the courage of all South Africans who fought to vote.

Hundreds of Bermudians took their lunch break to join in the celebration and many members of the public drove with their headlights on yesterday, showing their support for freedom and justice and their solidarity for all people who work for democracy.