Madam Speaker,

Forty-eight years ago I watched my father opening Parliament here – the first he opened in any of his Dominions. Of course, I come here in very different circumstances but, ever since that visit, I have felt that my memories of South Africa are part of me, and I have wanted to return to this magnificent country. That wish has never deserted me through a half a century during which you have seen turmoil and tragedy. Now, though, you have become one nation, whose spirit of reconciliation is a shining example to the world, and I have come back to see for myself what is little short of a miracle. It is one of your own making, and one which will give you pride and confidence as you face the challenge of transition. I congratulate you all on your achievement.

That visit in 1947 was less than two years from the end of the Second World War. This year, as we commemorate the fiftieth Anniversary of the end of the war, we shall have many reminders that South Africa’s contribution to victory for the Allies was, as in the First War, immense. Three hundred and fifty thousand South Africans volunteered, and twelve thousand, of all races, lost their lives. In his speech to Parliament all those years ago, my father paid tribute to that great sacrifice. He continued:-

“You are now dealing with the problems of peace – a peace which must be based on the principles of freedom and justice if it is to endure”.

Your struggle has shown that the only way to true peace is indeed through those principles, of which so many, throughout this country, have been doughty champions. It was a fitting tribute to you, President Mandela, and to Deputy President de Klerk, when you were both, in 1993, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was a recognition of the spirit which inspired the bringing of peace and freedom to South Africa. In your memoirs, Mr. President, you remarked “it simply did not make sense for both sides to lose thousands if not millions of lives in a conflict that was unnecessary…it was time to talk”. I wish that more people, the world over, would heed those wise words.

They typify the new South Africa, which is showing that, with far-sighted, able leadership, willingness to compromise, and patient determination in the quest for peace, it is possible to reconcile the seemingly irreconcilable. The transformation wrought here, culminating in the elections last year, has set the country on a democratic course from which there can be no turning back. Its citizens stand together, equal in a free nation.

Democratic values and not just nebulous or academic things: they bring benefits and opportunities with them, and these are now becoming clear here, where your people can fulfil the most fundamental ideals with dignity, can advance themselves irrespective of wealth and background, and where, most important, the word and spirit are free. But democracy carries its risks and uncertainties, and South Africans will look to this Parliament as the defender of the democratic faith. Forging the new nation is a formidable task, and the spirit of reconciliation is vital to it. So is the sort of open and upright government which takes the people into the confidence of their leaders.

Throughout the years apart from South Africa, the Commonwealth worked to bring about the transition which led to your rejoining last June, after 32 years of separation. It gave me so much pleasure to see you regain your rightful place. You have an essential role to play, as a new force for regional stability and growth. The Commonwealth, meanwhile, will stand by your own hard won freedom. I look forward to welcoming you, Mr. President, to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Auckland later this year.

1995 marks the bicentenary of the first links between our two countries. Our relationship, like that between many old friends, has been, at times, a tempestuous one. Our peoples have fought against each other, as they have together against a common enemy. But we can, together, feel unreserved pride in the role which so many Britons and South Africans have played in our respective countries. I think, for example, of the contributions made by British missionaries and teachers in South Africa over the years.

British involvement in South African education has continued throughout, especially in the disadvantaged communities, through the activities of our government, the British Council and British voluntary organisations. Similarly, British entrepreneurs and businessmen have played a vital role in South Africa’s economic development. Your emergence as a democratic country has led to a flowering in our relations. I am sure that the initiatives taken during Mr. Major’s visit last September will help strengthen our friendship even further.

I was pleased to hear that Britain and South Africa have recently signed agreements for development and scientific cooperation. Above all we want to see opportunities for our young people making the most of their common language to get together whether it be in trade, sport, culture, education or social work. Britain, like South Africa, contains people of many races. Like you, we want all our people to pool our talent for the benefit of their fellow human beings.

Britain and South Africa have so much to offer each other. Let us make you the most of the affection between us. Next year, I look forward to welcoming you, Madam President, on the first ever State Visit to Britain by a South African Head of State. You are, of course, well versed in making history but I hope that, even for you, that will be an important milestone. It will happen, too, at a very fitting moment, as we approach the end of the twentieth century and peer into the next. The view may sometimes be a little obscure, but the events in South Africa of the last few years have helped to bring rays of sunshine to pierce the mist. Many the sun shine ever brighter.