GALLAGHER ESTATE, JOHANNESBURG, 16 November 1999
Mr Deputy President,
Honoured Guests from near and far,
Colleagues,
Comrades,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Mr Deputy President, it is a great honour for me, on behalf of the Organisers and Conference Delegates to welcome you to this banquet.
Your presence at this occasion lends to it the gravity and import that it justly deserves.
Today's Conference programme has provided stimulating discussion of the issues surrounding constitutionalism, particularly within the African context.
Delegates seemed to be particularly upbeat about the continent's ability to meet the challenges which face us al as we enter the new millennium. And these loom large: sustainable social and economic development, the eradication of conflict, the promotion of democracy and constitutionalism, to name but a few.
Mr Deputy President, the Conference delegates seem undaunted and even buoyed, by these challenges. There prevails a sense of optimism about prospects for Africa as she enters her ground voyage of discovery and rebirth.
The message has clearly been that the African Renaissance awaits us and we embrace it.
Mr Deputy President you will be delighted to hear that you will not be required to sing for your supper. Judge Albie Sachs will, however, have to earn his keep tonight by delivering the Key Note Address. I am sure that we all look forward to hearing from him.
Finally, all that remains for me is to wish you all a wonderful evening of fine music, good food and the best of all - the company of good friends.
Bon Appetite!