/ 8 June 2000

Mandela sings Mbeki’s praises

Former president Nelson Mandela said he believes his successor Thabo Mbeki has done a good job during his first year as president. “President Mbeki is a leader I support very fully,” Mandela told journalists in Johannesburg. “He has done very well and I am very glad South Africa appointed him president. “I do not think there is anybody in the history of South Africa who has put South Africa on the map as has President Mbeki,” Mandela added, giving Mbeki credit most would say he himself deserves. Mbeki, who took over as president on June 16 last year, has received mixed reviews in the media for his performance during his first year in office. Newspapers said Mbeki showed great flair for international politics but did not display the same interest in domestic matters.