OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Friday 6.45pm
PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela on Friday repeated praises he had heaped on his successor Thabo Mbeki, saying the country was in good hands under Mbeki’s leadership.
“He has self-confidence. Not only is he competent, he has vision and courage to carry on what needs to be done,” Mandela said in Orlando West, Soweto. He said he had the utmost confidence in Mbeki’s ability to build a better life for all South AFricans. Flanked by a crowd of residents and chanting schoolchildren, Mandela introduced a group of businessmen who had undertaken to build a community centre. Speaking about the memories he had of the place, Mandela said he first came to Orlando in the 1940s when there was no single community building. “It brings back to me fond memories to return here with a group of businessmen who are prepared to contribute to better the lives of our people.” Mandela was also accompanied by African National Congress stalwart and wife of ANC veteran Walter Sisulu, Albertina.