But we are confident that we have entered it with a new national spirit. The first democratic elections which we have just conducted and the atmosphere of peace that has prevailed in this period inspires us with confidence that we shall succeed in our endeavours. It is a result of difficult and sometimes harrowing negotiations. A process that ultimately resulted in the meeting of minds among the major political players. We are heartened by the progress already made by the Government of National Unity in reaching consensus on the most important challenges facing the nation.
Differences do remain.
But they manifest themselves within the context of non-racial democracy. There is a spirit abroad to ensure that we achieve the common objectives that we have set ourselves, primarily to build a better life for all our people and ensure peace, stability and economic growth. The Constitutional Assembly will soon sit to draft a new constitution for the country. Quite certainly, transitions everywhere do breed uncertainty. And South Africa is no exception.