RIVAL PARTIES USING AGENTS TO DISCOURAGE VOTING: MANDELA

BISHO Sept 23 Sapa

President Nelson Mandela on Saturday accused rival political
parties of using agents to discourage voting in the local
government elections.

He said these parties, which he did not name, were racist and
could not accept they no longer held power in South Africa.

"They have enrolled a few Africans, Indians and coloureds, who
have no backbone and are happy to be used as a shield to cover
their party's racism," Madela told about 10,000 supporters at the
launch of the African National Congreon campaign in the Eastern Cape.

However, nothing would be allowed to interfere with the ANC's
commitment to provide education, health care and amenities to all
South Africans, Mandela said.

Mandela asked whites to support his drive to build national
unity in South Africa.

He called for unity and community involvement to combat crime
and promote development, both issues in the Eastern Cape.

The local government elections, scheduled for 1 November,
marked a crucial phase in the democratisation of South Africa.

"I call upon whites throughout South Africa to support me in
building national unity," Mandela said.

The ANC recognised the province suffered, perhaps more acutely
than other provinces, from apartheid's legacy of poverty,
underdevelopment, unemployment and deprivation, Mandela said.

The ANC-led government of the province had, however, made an
impressive start in alleviating these problems.

Mandela urged the election of reliable people and said ANC
councillors would ensure the Eastern Cape's resources were used to
benefit all of the province's people.

An economic boost was vital for job creation and required a
vision for a local economy and co-operation between labour,
government, business and communities.

Socio economic upliftment would help to reduce rising crime in
the province.

The recent "barbaric" attack on foreign tourists at Lusiksiki
should spur immediate action to make South Africa and its
communities safe for its people and visitors.

Responding to an earlier question about alleged lack of
delivery in the Eastern Cape, Mandela said his government had
already achieved more than the National Party managed in 45 years.

"Ours is a spectacular achievement compared to the previous
government," he said.