Nelson Mandela Foundation concerned at 'rise in denial of apartheid crimes'
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has raised concern over remarks by former president FW de Klerk in which he denied that apartheid was a crime against humanity.
The remarks, made in an interview with the SABC, ignited a furious debate after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demanded that De Klerk leave the National Assembly ahead of the State of the Nation Address.
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The interview, and subsequent statement from the former’s president’s foundation, also received backlash from the African National Congress (ANC) and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation among others.
Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang says they have called for a meeting with De Klerk and his foundation.
"We believe this kind of a statement, we want to emphasize, does not take us anywhere in terms of nation-building, reconciliation paths that Nelson Mandela put us on.
"In terms of engaging with the FW de Klerk Foundation, we believe that this is the only way forward."
Hatang adds that the denial of apartheid as a crime against humanity is cause for concern.
"The rise of racism and the rise of denial of crimes such as apartheid is something that we see progressing and if we're going to do anything right is to continue to engage those kind of forces."
The FW de Klerk Foundation has since withdrawn its statement, agreeing with the former statesman, that apartheid was not a crime against humanity.
The EFF rejected the apology but the African National Congress (ANC) says the sincerity of the apolgy "will be tested by his posture to selflessly commit both in words and in deeds towards the advancement of the ongoing reconstruction and development project through nation building in his local community".
In a written statement, the ANC adds: "All peace-loving South Africans are expected at all times to acknowledge that coming from our deeply divided past and having invested so much in healing the wounds of our ugly past, any unfortunate and inconsiderate utterances going against the united spirit of our people is unhealthy for our young democracy."