This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.
Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police ... saluted me and pledged their loyalty. ... not so many years before they would not have saluted ....

Explanation

Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from the days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me.