victory gathering.

They will be celebrating on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday -- the day South Africa's new president Nelson Mandela is inaugurated.

The event -- from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. -- is being held by the Anti-Apartheid Coalition and Amnesty International to mark the victory of democracy in South Africa.

Veteran anti-apartheid worker the Rev. Canon Thomas Nisbett said: "Our two organisations have been working for the past several years to end the system in South Africa which the United Nations described as a `crime against humanity'.

"Bermudians of all races, classes and creeds have supported the efforts to bring democracy to the former victims of apartheid.

"We're sure most people in our Island have been moved by images of South Africans transcending the yoke of fear to make their way to the polls, in spite of adverse conditions.

"The prayers of Bermudians along with others from all over the world have been answered in that this election has taken place in relative peace.'' He asked motorists to drive with their lights on during Tuesday morning.

"In a world in which there is much attention and evidence of the dark side, of man's inhumanity to man, we are taking this opportunity to reinforce and celebrate this bright light of hope that the new South Africa represents.'' Leading campaigner Mr. Glenn Fubler said Tuesday's event would celebrate the spirit of reconciliation, exemplified by Nelson Mandela.

"In that spirit we're hoping that the local community, both Government and Opposition and both management and labour will be involved.'' Ms Clare Hatcher, of Amnesty, said South Africa now had its own section of the human rights watchdog group.

The struggle for the new South Africa had in some ways only just begun, she stressed.

Congratulations to South Africa can still be recorded in a special book at the adult library today, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.