JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- President-elect Nelson Mandela starts today to put together a government after claiming victory for his African National Congress in South Africa's first all-race elections.
"I stand before you filled with deep pride and joy, pride in the ordinary, humble people of this country," Mandela said Monday night.
He and the ANC "are rolling up our sleeves to begin tackling the problems."
His victory speech touched off a night of celebration from Johannesburg to the most remote corners of the nation.
"Heaven is smiling on South Africa," shouted Esther Puza, 48, of Soweto, swaying with 14 family members. "All our lives we waited for this moment."
Ahead for Mandela:
-- Friday, he is to be officially elected by the ANC-dominated National Assembly when it convenes for the first time.
-- May 10, his scheduled inaugural is expected to attract world leaders, whose sanctions helped end South Africa's policy of separation of races.
Mandela's declaration came hours after President F.W. de Klerk conceded defeat, ending 342 years of white domination.
Anticipating selection as one of two deputy presidents, de Klerk said he looks forward to working with Mandela.
"Our greatest task will be to ensure our young and vulnerable democracy will take root."
The election result was hardly a surprise, but the ANC's margin of victory appears greater than expected.
With 43% of the vote in, the ANC had 63.6%, de Klerk's National Party 23.2% and the Inkatha Freedom Party 5.9%.
The constitution grants a deputy presidency to any party with 20% or more. Parties with 5% or more get Cabinet seats, but Mandela plans to include as many parties as possible.
Mandela also appealed to some of his favorite people: athletes. A former boxer, Mandela invited them to play again in South Africa, ending the boycott brought on by apartheid.
