Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 9 - Chapter 1 Page 18

have access to basic educational, health and welfare services. There was strong support in the country for the idea of affirmative action, which meant special measures to enable persons discriminated against on grounds of colour, gender and disability to break into fields from which they have been excluded by past discrimination. The whole of the civil service would have to be opened up so as to make it a truly South African civil service, and not the administration of a racial minority. It would be accountable to Parliament and the local community it serves. There would be a non- racial and non- sexist defence and police force, and a prison service comprising personnel that are well trained, disciplined, humane and loyal to the constitution.