Mbeki defends candid leader
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PRESIDENT THABO Mbeki of South Africa is standing by a provincial leader who said it was all right for politicians to lie.
Mr Mbeki, who succeeded Nelson Mandela on 16 June and campaigned on a platform of clean government, chastised critics of Ndaweni Mahlangu yesterday for showing "no compassion". He was selected by Mr Mbeki's African National Congress to run Mpumalanga province, east of Johannesburg, which has a reputation for corruption.
Mr Mahlangu had told reporters: "Many politicians publicly deny they did certain things but then later admit to them. It is accepted and is not unusual anywhere in the world. It wasn't the end of Bill Clinton's life and I personally don't find it to be a very bad thing."
Opposition politicians jumped on the remarks, which were also denounced by religious leaders.
However, Mr Mbeki did call Mr Mahlangu's remarks "fundamentally wrong" and noted he had apologised for making a "grievous error". (AP)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments