Krokodil's PA backing ANC

2006-01-22 22:48

Tisha Steyn

George - The woman who was personal assistant to the Groot Krokodil - former president PW Botha - 30 years ago, has thrown her weight behind the African National Congress for the municipal elections.

"I was his secretary," said Riana Appel, 50, on Sunday about working in PW's office between 1976 and 1978 when she was still Riana Pienaar, a young lieutenant in the SA Defence Force.

"What struck me during the three years I was involved in the ministry (of defence) was that, even then, many changes were taking place.

"Politics are dynamic, and things change, the same way a person changes as one gets a better perspective in life."

She didn't maintain contact with the Bothas.

"The last time I had contact with them was at Tannie Elize's funeral about seven, eight years ago," she said.

"I went to pay my last respects."

Lagging behind even further

This single parent has two sons, Daniël, 22, a commercial pilot, and Barend, 20, who is studying sport administration at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

"They're not dependent on me any more and I want to use my knowledge and experience to help the victims of violence - escpecially women and children from disadvantaged communities."

Appel is already involved with Phambile, a volunteer organisation that helps women and children get the State's protection in the case of family violence.

"I have given the decision a lot of thought, because I knew it would be controversial. But I know where my priorities are.

"I move in many circles and have realised that the disadvantaged are lagging further and further behind. The haves have more, while the have-nots have even less."

- Die Burger