McGuinness in South Africa

Martin McGuinness, ANC secretary general Kalema Molente and former hunger striker Raymond McCartney

Martin McGuinness was in South Africa last week as a guest of the ANC at the inauguration of newly re-elected President Thabo Mbeki and for the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the ending of Apartheid. Nelson Mandela was elected the first president of a democratic South Africa on 8 May 1994.

The Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator, accompanied by former Hunger Striker, Raymond McCartney, took time out for discussions with McGuinness' counterpart, ANC Chief Negotiator Cyril Ramhaposa.

Among others, McGuinness also met with President Thabo Mbeki and FIFA President Sepp Blatter and other officials. South Africa is bidding for the World Cup Tournament in 2010.