Apartheid as usual—Ministers

Press, 16 August 1989, Page 8

Apartheid as usual—Ministers

The resignation of South Africa’s president, Mr Pieter Botha, does not signal any real change in the republic’s policies, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall, and his Zambian counterpart, Luke Mwananshiku. They shared the view yesterday that the likely replacement, Mr F. W. De Klerk, would make little differ-

ence. Mr Mwananshiku, who is visiting New Zealand, said Mr De Klerk was due to meet the Zambian President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, at the African leader’s suggestion. Mr De Klerk has indicated he will make reforms. Mr Botha said when he became leader that South Africa had to

“reform or perish.”

Mr Mwananshiku said there had been changes in South Africa, but this was due more to a sluggish economy and internal opposition than to Mr Botha’s drive. Mr De Klerk was not seen as likely to bring new ideas.

“He’s no different from the other leaders of South Africa.”

Mr Marshall said there' were still 270 people awaiting execution in South Africa.

Mr De Klerk might release the African National Congress leader, Nelson Mandela, from prison, but real changes were unlikely he said.

Botha’s departure, page 10