Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 3 - Chapter 2 Page 16

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. Four fairly young men, in particular, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Joe Nhlanhla, Penuel Manduna and others, were peerless in their diplomatic skills, having mastered the art of high level negotiations quite early in their