A vendor of peace and negotiation

Former South African president F.W. de Klerk surprised the world when he led his apartheid government through a peaceful transition of power to a black majority. He, along with Nelson Mandela, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for this courageous act.

Last updated: February 26, 2004 | 00:00

By Anthony Penderis

1 MIN READ

Gulf News

As an African, what are your general perceptions of the Middle East today?

Your government managed a peaceful transition of power to a black majority. Are there any lessons to be learned from that experience by the Palestinians and Israelis?

Can the South African constitution negotiated between your government and the ANC at the time serve as a model for the formation of a government in Iraq?

Apart from the problems of crime and AIDS in South Africa, reports of increased unemployment are surfacing in the media. What's happening to the South African economy?

Is black empowerment causing a "white flight" out of South Africa and also forcing private companies to look for opportunities elsewhere?

Is there a danger that South Africa can go the same route as Zimbabwe where the property of white farmers is simply being confiscated to the detriment of the economy?

Why did the South African government not criticise Zimbabwe more openly?

Why did South Africa lose the opportunity to become the leader of sub-Saharan Africa?

Currently the political opposition in South Africa is not very strong. Is there a danger of South Africa becoming a one party state?

Is that why you supported the idea that your old party, NNP, should move closer to the ANC in case of a future break-up?

Concerns are surfacing in the South Africa press that the government might be prosecuting supporters of the old regime

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