Former African presidents Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere and Sir Ketumile Masire are likely to be called on regularly to promote the cause of Africa on the world stage, according to President Thabo Mbeki. He said the government will be aiming to achieve the goals of the African Renaissance "and ensuring that the next century evolves as the African century." To this end, he said, it is important that South Africa do its utmost to end conflicts across the continent, and these elder statesmen will be asked to contribute.