SWEDISH Prime Minister Goran Persson faced a barrage of criticism over an assortment of gaffes and blunders made during his visit to South Africa. The six-day trip, dubbed the “South Africa Fiasco” by the Swedish press, was dogged by rows before it began. Persson introduced Sweden’s new ambassador to South Africa before the host country had approved the choice, and failed to support President Thabo Mbeki when he asked for help on a question.