FW welcomes smooth transition

2008-10-01 08:02

Cape Town - Former president FW de Klerk on Tuesday lauded the smooth change of leadership from president Thabo Mbeki to Kgalema Motlanthe and cautioned against forgetting the successes of the past 14 years.

Speaking at the official opening of Sappi Saiccor's new R3.4bn extension at Umkomaas, he said too many South Africans underestimated the forces that "bind us together and spend too much time and energy worrying about the centrifugal forces that drive us apart.

"Of course one should not be blind to these negative forces and the very real problems that confront us.

Period of uncertainty

"There is no doubt that we are going through a period of uncertainty after the ANC's conference in Polokwane last December and the recent resignation of President Thabo Mbeki."

However, this negative carried with it some very positive elements as well.

The key element with regard to Mbeki's recent resignation was that the whole process occurred within the framework of the Constitution.

There were few countries in Africa - and indeed in the world - where a change of leadership could take place with such order, dignity and constitutionality, De Klerk said.

"I believe that the process, controversial as it undoubtedly was, is a reflection of the growing maturity of our young democracy."

There was an imminent change of guard between Mbeki and everything he had represented for the past ten years and the new leadership that was elected in Polokwane.

"And there is inevitably some uncertainty regarding the role that [ANC president] Mr Zuma will play in our future because of allegations surrounding his involvement in the arms deal.

Polokwane resolutions 'disturbing'

"Also, some of the resolutions that were adopted at Polokwane were disturbing - particularly those on the independence of the judiciary, the freedom of the press, expropriation and the dissolution of the Scorpions."

All these were serious developments and only a fool would ignore them.

To these could be added the critical need to address the real challenges confronting the country, including Aids, poverty, unemployment and crime, the skills shortage, and the need for a balanced transformation process.

"I could dwell on these problems that, in some circles, are causing yet another bout of jitters regarding the future of our country.

"We South Africans need to address them in a calm and realistic manner, but in doing so we should not forget the enormous successes that we have achieved since we set our country on its new course in 1990.

"We South Africans know the recipe for success: we know how to strengthen the forces that bind us together; we have the ability to become the first African country to break into the ranks of first world nations," De Klerk said.

- SAPA