Mr. Premier,

It is a great pleasure to be here in the newly formed Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I am particularly happy to return to Port Elizabeth, of which I have so many memories from the visit which I paid with my family in 1947. On my arrival this morning I enjoyed reliving those memories when I drove past the King’s Beach which was named after my father.

These happy memories are, for all of us, mixed with sadness at the events of the apartheid era. It was a hard time, not least for you, Mr. Premier. You and others present here today serve as examples of the indomitable spirit that has enabled us to be together today after the sacrifices made in more difficult times. But in 1995 we meet in a new South Africa which has rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations and is working hard to overcome the legacy of the years of apartheid and prejudice. I have seen something of that constructive and triumphant spirit in the ebullient display at Centenary Hall in New Brighton and I see its fruits here now in this multi-racial gathering in the new Vista University. Later I shall be visiting two projects which typify the new challenges you are tackling - a community centre in Missionvale helping the disadvantaged, and The Centre for Continuing Education which plays a vital role in shaping your people’s future. It is by helping to unlock the potential of this country’s most precious resource - its young people - that South Africa’s future success and harmony can best be assured. In both these projects my government have played, and will to continue to play, a part in helping your youth to develop their skills and talents, and to lead this Province and South Africa to a bright and confident future.

Mr Premier, I thank you for your welcome to the Eastern Cape and for the expressions of warmth and kindness which we have received during our visit.

Please rise and drink to the health of the Premier, the government, and the people of the Eastern Cape Province.