Netherlands–South Africa relations South African nationals visiting the Netherlands. In February 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after serving 27 years. In June 1990, Nelson Mandela paid his first visit to the Netherlands. In October 1990, South African President F. W. de Klerk paid a visit to the Netherlands. Apartheid legislation was abolished in mid-1991 and on 27 April 1994, South Africa held its first fully democratic election and Nelson Mandela was elected as President. In September 1996, Dutch Queen Beatrix paid an official visit to South Africa and met with President Mandela. In 1999, President Mandela paid an official visit to
Heroes' Day (South Africa) nearest 10 October. Heroes' Day (South Africa) Kruger Day or Heroes' Day was a public holidays in South Africa from 1882 to 1899 and again from 1952 to 1994, celebrated annually on 10 October in South Africa. The day was named after Paul Kruger, a Boer resistance leader against British rule and later president of the South African Republic, who celebrated his birthday on 10 October. The day was used to underline the values and principles of the Afrikaner people. Kruger Day was first celebrated in 1882, while Paul Kruger was still alive. Kruger was then the vice president, but