Tony's tips for Thabo
2004-02-04 14:49
Pretoria - Opposition leader Tony Leon on Wednesday offered President Thabo Mbeki advice on ways to obtain a new, deserving mandate from South Africa.
During his State of the Nation address on Friday, Mbeki should place a renewed focus on economic growth, announce a basic income grant, and promise the appointment of 36 000 new police members over the next three years, Leon said in Pretoria.
Mbeki should also declare HIV/Aids a national emergency, come out in support of sanctions against Zimbabwe and ask Deputy President Jacob Zuma to take leave until he was finally cleared of corruption allegations.
Furthermore, Mbeki should give an undertaking that he would not seek a third term as president, Leon, who is the leader of the Democratic Alliance, told the National Press Club in Pretoria.
"Were the president to say these words, all of South Africa would stand and applaud," Leon said.
"Indeed the Democratic Alliance would cheer as well. For though the president would have robbed us of much of our election platform, he would have done the right thing for our country."
However, South Africans were likely to be disappointed.
"I think the chances that the president will say what he really needs to are rather slim," Leon said.
- SAPA