Tuesday, November 30, 2004

South African leaders continue public stoush

South African President Thabo Mbeki and the Nobel peace prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu have strongly criticised each other in a worsening public debate.

It has become a bitter contest between two of South Africa's most senior public figures.

Archbishop Tutu says President Mbeki has labelled him a liar and a charlatan.

In a written statement, Archbishop Tutu said he would pray for the African National Congress (ANC) Government, just has he did for the apartheid Government.

The dispute began a week ago when Archbishop Tutu gave a speech and criticised the ANC's black empowerment programs, which he said benefited a small recycled elite.

President Mbeki retaliated with a strongly worded response in a weekly newsletter.

He urged Archbishop Tutu to show respect for the truth.

By Just Us 30 November 04