World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz ”took his hat off” to President Thabo Mbeki on Saturday for acting against corruption.
”I take my hat off to the leaders of Africa and, Mr Mbeki in particular,” Wolfowitz told journalists after meeting with Mbeki and Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in Pretoria.
Mbeki fired his deputy Jacob Zuma on Tuesday after the Durban High found that a ”generally corrupt” relationship existed between Zuma and his financial advisor Schabir Shaik.
Shaik was sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for his crimes.
Wolfowitz, who took charge of the World Bank two weeks ago, met with Mbeki and Manuel to discuss ways fighting poverty on the continent.
South Africa was Wolfowitz’s last stop after a six day visit to Africa, that included stops in Nigeria, Rwanda and Burkina Faso.
He said the new leadership in South Africa, and leaders of other African countries, were intent on fighting corruption.
”We have recognised that in the past a lot of governments in Africa did not spend money well,” he said.
”There is a new leadership now that is taking responsibility to get rid of corruption. Africa is on the move.”
Wolfowitz said the more he had travelled through Africa, the more he felt a sense of opportunity.
”I have met confident people who tackle problems and deserve help,” he said. I have heard less criticism than you think I have heard ,” he told journalists.
A major challenge facing the bank, and its plans to reduce poverty in Africa, is insufficient infrastructure, he said.
Another challenge, raised by Manuel at the meeting, was the difficulty of doing business with the bank, Wolfowitz said.
”We have to pay close attention to the views of developing countries if we want to help them,” he said.
Mbeki thanked Wolfowitz for his commitment to Africa.
”We are of one mind and will focus on the challenges (that face Africa),” he said.
”Welcome to Africa and thank you for your commitment,” Mbeki said. – Sapa