Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 1 - Chapter 2 Page 11

I never enquired whether the former president did act on my request, but in the 1994 general elections, the General was rewarded for his wisdom and his foresight when he polled thirty seven percent of the votes, whereas a former section of the liberation movement polled less than two percent. The failure of the rightwing to call a referendum and to answer the question of who was an Afrikaner relieved the ANC of any obligation to review the demand of a volkstaat. Political analysts observed at the time that the General had opted for a course of action, which enormously enhanced his esteem. This was later reinforced by his contribution inside and outside Parliament, which was always balanced and full of integrity, even when we disagreed with such comments, especially when he continued to harp on the welfare of the Afrikaners as if they were the only people in this country. None should assume that removing roadblocks out of the way was the achievement of one person, however hard he might have applied himself. Three fairly young men, in particular, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Joe Nhlanhla, and others were peerless in their diplomatic skills, having mastered the art of high level 24