eighth decade as a man, that system had been

eighth decade as a man, that system had been not unmindful of conscious of; aware of chevron a pattern in the shape of a V despised had a very low opinion of spectacular array an impressive display (colourful and attractive) wrought (old fashioned, formal word) done, achieved profound deep and strong * These are some prominent names in the struggle against apartheid. (For the use of the definite article with proper nouns, see exercise II on page ) Yusuf Dadoo Bram Fischer Chief Luthuli Oliver Tambo Walter Sisulu Robert Sobukwe overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin. That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me.

That long and noble line ended and now began again with me. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will