Sickly PW makes peace

2003-12-17 21:18

Lizel Steenkamp

Pietermaritzburg - In what is being called one of the biggest reconciliation moves, former apartheid president PW Botha made peace with the Zulus over the Battle of Blood River during a Day of Reconciliation function.

This was Botha's first political public appearance in years.

Professor Langalibalele Mathenjwa, chairperson of the Voortrekker Museum in Pietermaritzburg, attended the festivities in KwaZulu-Natal and was there when Botha took a seat next to Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini.

"His (Botha's) presence was seen as a reconciliation move on behalf of the Afrikaner. For us it was nothing but a suitable deed. This is a turning point in history," said Mathenjwa.

He said this took the focus off the other Reconciliation Day festivities such as the one held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Soon after his arrival at Ncome, Botha waited for Zwelithini to finish his speech. He was then introduced to the crowd as a guest of Zwelithini.

"The audience danced for him. He then gave a short speech where he said he was glad to have met the king," said Mathenjwa.

According to Sibongiseni Mkhize, director of the Voortrekker Museum, a delegation informed them last Friday that Botha wanted to attend the Ncome festivities and that he wanted to meet the Zulu king.

"It was an important, symbolic move that he crossed the river to join us on our side. It was a wonderful moment. It shows we are no longer bitter, we are ready to forgive and to work together."

Botha did not stay long at Ncome due to the hot weather. He is apparently in poor health.

"The king accompanied him to his car - it was a relaxed atmosphere," said Mkhize.

Cassie Aucamp, leader of the National Action, said on Wednesday that Botha's gesture must be seen in the same light as former president Nelson Mandela's visit to Betsie Verwoerd in 1995.

"The gesture is the same. I think he (Botha) did it with good intentions, and that's a positive move," Aucamp said.

Botha was unavailable for comment on Wednesday. He was on his way home to the Wildernis following his KwaZulu-Natal trip.

Botha was appointed as prime minister in 1978 and as state president in 1984. In 1989 he stepped down.

He made headlines in 1999 when he refused to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

- Beeld