South African History Online

President Mandela's address at the Banquet in honour of Prime Minister John
Major

20 September 1994

Prime Minister John Major,
Cabinet members and other members of your
delegation,
Madame Speaker,
President of the Senate,
Deputy
Presidents,
Dear Guests,

I am deeply honoured to play host to you, Mr Prime Minister and your
delegation.

For the reasons that you so eloquently outlined in your address to parliament
this morning, the United Kingdom and South Africa do have a special
relationship.

It may well be that in the centuries gone by, this was a relationship
premised on the dictates of self-interest by the rich and mighty. It may well be
that that relationship had its stormy moments over the decades - between our
various communities and people.

But that history has bequeathed on both our countries common attributes in
more ways than one. Besides the fact that we are now communicating in one
language, there are many positive traits, covering a wide range of areas - not
least the system of democracy and culture of human rights - that inspired us
over the years, and continue to be a source of reference even today.

The Geent of National Unity is truly appreciative that you have come to South
Africa. Coming hot on the heels of the visit by the President of the Board of
Trade, Michael Heseltine and indeed many engagements between our government
representatives, business-people, sports personalities, cultural performers and
others - your presence in South Africa crowns a partnership that we can now say
has truly come of its own.

You made detailed reference earlier today to the agreements that we have
signed in many areas of common interest. We, in South Africa, and I refer here
both to my Government and the people as a whole, are particularly thankful of
the commitment shown by your government to help us deal comprehensively with the
legacy of apartheid. We are impressed by your grasp of the difficult problems
that we have to grapple with, and your generosity in making a contribution to
their solution.

In this way, Sir, Britain is asserting her role in the front ranks of nations
that seek to help in consolidating our young democracy.

We are committed to strengthening this relationship, conscious of the fact
that both our nations will benefit tremendously from it. To this end, many
issues have been broached during our discussions, including the meeting this
afternoon with the business representatives in your delegation. On our part we
shall ensure that all these matters are followed up and concluded.

Our country has taken her rightful place within the Commonwealth of Nations.
We saw it as entirely natural, that immediately after the establishment of the
Government of National Unity, we should take this step. For, we are mindful of
the many economic, political, cultural, sporting and other mutual benefits that
will accrue from this relationship.

We are pleased that Her Majesty, the Queen has accepted our invitation to
South Africa and we are eagerly awaiting her historic visit.

Mr Prime Minister,

The attainment of democracy in our country has made it possible for us to
forge a new partnership. In the long years of difficult endeavours to this end,
we enjoyed the support of British people and various governments. Today, we meet
at the beginning of a new dawn in our relations. And we are confident that these
will grow from strength to strength.

My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please pray be up standing, for a toast to Her Majesty the Queen.

Issued by: Office of the State President