Mandela calls for unity in South Africa

  1. Posted on Tuesday 5 August 2008 - 09:54
    Sam Banda Junior
    Image of Sam Banda Junior
    Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi, photo: Ilvy Njiokiktjien
    Nelson Mandela has called on the country to unite and work together. South Africa's first black president who turned 90 last month also called for unity among members in the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
    mandela_Ilvy_Njiokiktjien.jpg
    The former president who is respected world over for his humbleness and leading in the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic, was speaking on Saturday when tens of thousands ANC gathered at a stadium in Pretoria to pay birthday tributes to him.

    "Our nation comes from a history of deep division and strife; let us never through our deeds or words take our people back down that road again. Let’s work together and celebrate the promotion of unity, within the organisation, amongst our allies, in the nation at large and amongst all our people," said Mandela who celebrated his birthday on July 18.

    According to an Sabcnews.com report Monday said the anti-apartheid icon, a symbol of reconciliation led the ANC party to victory in the country's first multi-racial elections in 1994.

    The report further said Mandela who was seated on a stage, flanked by President Thabo Mbeki and ANC leader Jacob Zuma, said the party needed to maintain in the party for the good of the country.

    He called on party leaders and members to protect and defend democracy.

    "Now, as much as ever in our history, we require disciplined leaders and members with respect for their organisation, who care equally for all South Africans and for all people who live within our borders," said Mandela.

    Zuma who is answering corrupt charges defeated Mbeki for the leadership of ANC party last year amid some of its fiercest infighting, sparked by Mbeki's firing of Zuma as his national deputy president in 2005.

    The ANC leader has become popular in South Africa and is in line to take over the state presidency next year.

    In his speech Zuma hailed Nelson Mandela for his great vision, good leadership and life adding that he was the glue that has held ANC together as well as cementing South Africa together.

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