South Africa an inspiration for NI - Mbeki

Unionists are fearful of change in Northern Ireland in much the same way as white South Africans were concerned about their future following the fall of apartheid, the country’s President, Thabo Mbeki, said today.

After a meeting with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in Pretoria, the African National Congress leader said while great strides had been made recently in the Irish peace process, South Africa could serve as an inspiration for how the transition to a peaceful future could be achieved.