The reports allege that the President has repudiated or contradicted the Deputy President by saying that he did not believe that police were involved in killing other policemen. The views of the President and the Deputy President are the same on this matter. Both President Mandela and Deputy President Mbeki have always paid tribute to the overwhelming majority of the members of the SAPS who carry their duties out with distinction.
The President learnt with a deep sense of shock of the death of Zac de Beer. On behalf of the government and himself personally, the President would like to convey condolences to the family. The nation is the poorer of the loss of one who proved himself a principled opponent of apartheid, and who then as our Ambassador, helped democratic South Africa establish itself as a member of the community of free nations.
Only days before the election that will usher in a new democratic government, it is most gratifying to be able to play host to such a galaxy of leaders of business and labour. Amongst you are members of the Job Creation Trust set up by organised labour to mobilise resources amongst employed workers and business to help fund the creation of jobs for our fellow citizens who are unemployed.