I always feel great emotion when I am in SA. I remember well the time in 1989 when I invited the leaders from all the different factions to a private meeting in Geneva for a dialogue on the future of SA. Some were still living in exile at the time, but they all came. I remember most clearly the great spirit of hope and co-operation in the room, and a feeling that not only SA, but Africa, was reborn. I also vividly remember my visit to Nelson Mandela in 1990 shortly after his release from prison. I assured him of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) support in helping construct a more peaceful and equitable country. I am proud that FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s first joint appearance on a stage together took place at the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos. That meeting demonstrated the beginning of a new chapter in SA’s history. Since then, there has been notable development accomplishments: as a region, Africa’s economies have expanded robustly, with a growth ...

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