Zuma, Tutu make peace

2009-10-19 09:36

Philda Essop

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu have made peace.

Shortly before the April elections, Tutu said he could not pretend to look forward to a Zuma presidency.

But at a meeting of spiritual leaders in Bishopscourt on Saturday morning, Zuma said Tutu had recently initiated the peace talks between them.

Zuma also said he didn't want to lead the meeting himself.

"The Archbishop is like a father to me. In my culture, the father has the right to say anything he wants to. He has the right to chase me away from his house - I have no right to comment, that's why I never comment on the Archbishop's statements," he explained.

Zuma didn't say precisely when he and Tutu made peace.

Also criticised Mandela, Mbeki

It's not in Tutu's character to remain silent if he thinks something is wrong, Zuma said, to loud laughter.

"As a young man, I have to understand that when my father is angry, he can break glasses. But that doesn't mean he's a bad person."

According to Zuma, Tutu said: "You know I said things about Madiba..."

"I answered 'not only Madiba, but also former president Thabo Mbeki'. How could I have thought that I'm the exception?" said Zuma.

"He (Tutu) said he says these things because he loves us and our country.

"He said if he was my advisor, he would ask me - 'could you stop singing Awuleth' Umshini Wami?
 

- Die Burger