SA in 'good hands' under Motlanthe, says Mandela

South Africa’s first democratic leader, Nelson Mandela, on Friday congratulated new President Kgalema Motlanthe, saying the country was in “good hands” after a week of political turmoil.

In a letter to the new president, who was sworn in Thursday, Mandela said Motlanthe was “eminently deserving” of the post.

“You are a quiet, firm and principled leader, one who puts reason above emotions and one who seeks to unite rather than divide. We know that our country is in good hands with you at the helm of government.”

Mandela also paid tribute to Thabo Mbeki, who was dramatically asked to resign last weekend by the ruling African National Congress before his term ended next year.

He said the achievements of Mbeki’s government were impressive and wished his former deputy and successor well.

Mandela thanked Motlanthe for briefing and visiting “a retired old man” on Tuesday, adding with his trademark self-deprecatory wit that he realised “that from now on we will have to write official letters if we wish to have the pleasure of your company”.—AFP