Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 4a - Chapter 3 Page 2

negotiations so that for five months the nations waited with bated breath for the arrival of that historic day in the life of South Africa. To the black majority, it meant the birth of a dream that had inspired generations, namely that one day the people will govern. For decades after the conclusion of the colonial wars of dispossession, they had to sit on the sidelines of political life watching their compatriots voting to rule over them. Now the day was nearing when they would, together with all their compatriots, decide on the politics of their country. To many of the white population, the prospect of that day obviously held cause for trepidation, fear and insecurity. To them it would signal the end of minority control and privilege, opening up the frightening prospect of having to share with those whom they subjected for so long and in many respects so cruelly.