Former president Nelson Mandela and United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa did not reach an agreement about Holomisa rejoining the ANC when the two met in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Mandela, along with Holomisa, told reporters he was eager to have Holomisa back in the African National Congress (ANC) because the party was the ”rock in SA politics” and the UDM leader had a role to play.
”(Mr) Holomisa has great talents when dealing with the people and I think that President Thabo Mbeki should surround himself with people like that,” Mandela said.
Mandela said he and Holomisa would report back to their parties about the meeting.
Holomisa would discuss with his party what role members could possibly play in the government.
Holomisa joked that perhaps he could ”crack” Mandela’s ANC rock.
”The Holomisa today is the leader of a political party, that is what people must realise,” he said.
”I will speak to the party’s national executive council about our role around uniting the people of South Africa and consolidating transformation.”
Mandela said there was no political motive in him approaching Holomisa to rejoin the ANC.
Both men agreed that the meeting had been fruitful. – Sapa