Zille praises 'dignified exit'

2008-09-22 10:36

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki's dignified resignation speech has helped calm South Africans in the wake of his departure from office, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille on Sunday.

"The dignified way in which Thabo Mbeki handled his exit gives us hope that there will be some continuity in government between now and the next election," she said in a statement.

It was crucial for Mbeki to convey a message that there would be stability in government after his departure.

"We must now look ahead and consider what is in the best interests of our country," she said.

While Mbeki had made some blunders, it was important not to lose sight of his achievements.

Economy

"But, for all his faults, Thabo Mbeki must be praised for his sound stewardship of the economy - under his watch, South Africa experienced its longest sustained period of economic growth, albeit in a benign international economic climate," she said.

Zille reiterated her view that the ANC's decision to remove Mbeki was motivated by the party's desire to protect its president Jacob Zuma from prosecution.

"The President's forced resignation is clearly motivated by the ANC's stated aim to find a 'political solution' to Jacob Zuma's legal problems," she said.

The incoming president must make a commitment that he or she will not interfere with the National Prosecuting Authority's decision to appeal Judge Chris Nicholson's judgement.

- SAPA