Mandela halts warship deal
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.Cape Town - President Nelson Mandela put plans to buy four warships from Britain or Spain on hold, saying his government would examine afresh whether they were needed.
Mr Mandela told the Senate there was significant popular opposition to the 1.6bn rand (pounds 270m) plan to buy four corvettes, equivalent to European light frigates. "You can't just run ahead of your own people," he said.
The President also criticised the handling of the bidding process, which was launched before his African National Congress won power in South Africa's first all-race poll a year ago.
"It does not appear that this matter was well handled. I have letters from presidents and premiers in the Nordic countries; Prime Minister Major has been bombarding me with letters in this regard; the French, Chancellor Kohl, they all want this contract," Mr Mandela said. Reuter
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments