But once it was clear that the Soviet menace was gone, and the West was no longer afraid of handing one of the world’s most important countries to Moscow control, Mrs Thatcher played a significant part in the release of Mandela and the peaceful handover of power. I say this as someone who has no special admiration for Lady Thatcher and no links with the Tory Party. It just happens to be true.

By the way, it is worth noting a few other things about Mr Mandela and the new South Africa. As I pointed out in my Channel Four documentary, ‘Mandela, beneath the halo’, Mandela is not above criticism and has served as a figleaf for the ANC, often doing little or nothing to oppose or criticise its wrong actions since he emerged from prison. Given his enormous world status, it is reasonable to argue – for example – that he could have opposed the ludicrous arms deal, under which the country is spending billions on jet aircraft and submarines to fight an imaginary enemy.

Left-liberal voters will not switch to the Tories because Mr Cameron has made his ritual pilgrimage. They will never forgive the Tories for being Tories, whatever they do. His action, much more a matter of image than of thought, is yet another of those gestures which will make the Tory Party a little less unpopular among the people who will never, under any circumstances, vote for it. As for those who might vote for it, this event ought to warn them that they are dealing with a man who values appearance above substance. ~Peter Hitchens

Mr. Hitchens gives a much more thorough and detailed account of why Cameron was mistaken to dismiss then-PM Thatcher’s policy towards South Africa and gives a balanced account of the ANC’s recourse to terrorist methods.  He gives Mandela a fair shake, but also reminds us of the considerable influence of communists on the ANC.  All in all, Cameron comes off looking like the fool that he is, and Lady Thatcher comes off looking much better.