Mandela saddened by ANC rift
16/12/2007 19:09  - (SA)  

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Polokwane - Former president Nelson Mandela has expressed sadness at current "differences" experienced in the African National Congress.

In a message to the party's 52nd national conference that got underway on Sunday, he said there were signs of "deep divisions" in the party.

"Today, there are signs of deep division in our organisation, but differences and tensions in an organisation are not unusual or abnormal.

"It is the manner in which we deal with those differences that matter."

Mandela said the ANC peacefully had resolved conflict in South Africa because it had been able to sit down and negotiate with its enemies.

'Let history guide you'

Unity within the organisation and the unity of the people of South Africa had always been of "utmost importance to the ANC".

"Whatever decisions you to take at this conference including the decision about leadership positions, let that noble history of the ANC guide you," Mandela said.

He said ANC was called the "parliament of the people" and had demonstrated that it deserved that name because it had risen above factionalism, racism, tribalism and other forms of prejudice and discrimination.

"We are confident that you will prove...that we deserve to be leading the organisation that we have been for almost a century."

The ANC said leadership voting would start late on Sunday and the result released on Monday.

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