Nelson Mandela's recent appearance at an ANC rally did not mean he had decided to return to active public life, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said on Friday.Foundation chief executive Achmat Dangor said such speculation was "incorrect and most unfortunate", and the foundation wanted to remove any confusion.
He said that in 2004 Mandela had explained that he was retiring from active involvement in public life, that his activities would be significantly reduced, and that he wanted to spend time with his family and friends.
Mandela had added that he did not intend to "hide away totally" and would appear in public from time to time.
However he had appealed to be granted the opportunity of a much quieter life and of being regarded as a pensioner and not an active politician.
Dangor said Mandela's schedule since then had indeed been dramatically reduced.
Mandela's appearance at the ANC rally in the Transkei town of Dutywa last weekend was seen as a coup for the party, which is under pressure in the region from the breakaway Congress of the People.
Source : Sapa /dbm/ml
Date : 20 Feb 2009 15:31
