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There is always something new out of Africa.

As a citizen of this country, I've got to be honest to the people of South Africa.

In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face.

The biggest problem in South Africa is that we have a disrupted timeline. Historically, politically, spiritually, economically, in people's minds, in people's heads.

Well, I think by any expectation South Africa has come a tremendously long way. We've seen a society that many people thought couldn't withstand a peaceful transition to democracy without a great deal of violence, in fact, make that transition and do it in relative peace and security.

South Africa is highly politicised; even small issues become politicised, and it becomes quite bitter.

If we continue doing the right things in Africa, we can create a very exciting and competitive global market here.

I thought that, post-apartheid, there would be absolutely no interest in South Africa. That has been both true and untrue. The major writers like Gordimer and Coetzee have produced major books. But some of the more minor writers have drifted away.

You see, Africa makes a fool of our idea of justice. It makes a farce of our idea of equality. It mocks our pieties. It doubts our concern. It questions our commitment. Because there is no way we can look at what's happening in Africa, and if we're honest, conclude that it would ever be allowed to happen anywhere else.

I feel no bond with South Africa, which is curious, since South Africa is where I was born.