Both the government and the public had long been aware of the dilemma posed to President Mandela since he came to power by the diplomatic struggle between his "old friends" and his "new friends." But nonetheless the sudden news of the impending break in relations inevitably caused disappointment, as well as sparking worries that it will set off a domino effect, putting our other diplomatic ties in danger.
雖然朝野對南非政局變革、曼德拉掌政以來，在其老友、新友之間的外交角力下左右為難早已耳熟能詳，但乍聞斷交惡耗仍難免感到失望，並且擔心是否將引發骨牌效應，危及其他邦交國。