Mandela, in a letter released shortly after Obama took the oath of office yesterday, said people around the world were inspired by his inauguration in 1994 to believe that "injustice can be overcome". And he says Obama's presidency offers a similar hope.

"Your election to this high office has inspired people as few other events in recent times have done," Mandela wrote. "Amongst many around the world a sense of hopelessness had set in as so many problems remain unresolved and seemingly incapable of being resolved. You, Mister President, have brought a new voice of hope that these problems can be addressed and that we can in fact change the world and make of it a better place."

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Mandela also wrote of Africa's pride at seeing Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, achieve such high office.