Accra, May 09, GNA--Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on the people of South Africa to always uphold the ideals of Nelson Mandela, the man who led their liberation struggle. Former President Rawlings said Mandela's humility and strength of character are virtues that every South African citizen must uphold. This is contained in a statement issued in Accra on Saturday by Kofi Adams, aide to the former President to coincide with the inauguration of Jacob Zuma as the third President of post apartheid South Africa.

The former President, who is leading Ghana's delegation to the inaugural activities taking place on Saturday in Pretoria congratulated President Jacob Zuma and said South Africa was in a unique position economically and politically to set the tone for the rest of the continent because of its unique infrastructural and technological development and must not allow political pettiness to derail it.

Former President Rawlings said it was positive to see democracy take root in South Africa with new parties cropping up and minority parties being strengthened.

He said, while it was beautiful to see citizens taking diverse positions in the name of democracy it was imperative that maturity and diplomacy, rather than confrontation and intolerance are employed in managing such diversity. "The years of apartheid that saw the sacrifices of Mandela, Biko, Kathrada, Tutu and the thousands of your kith and kin cannot be allowed to whittle away due to the dislike of one person or the other," he cautioned.

President Zuma, he said faces a huge challenge as he takes over the mantle of leadership at a time when the world's economy is in a shambles and the entire region looks up to South Africa for leadership. "You must select people who have the quality, capacity and patriotism required to lead when appointing your ministers and aides. It is also important that you sow seeds of true unity as you start your tenure," he advised.

The former President Rawlings commended Nelson Mandela, who at the age of 90 still takes an active interest in the political affairs of his country and has continued to provide inspiration to the ANC and millions of South Africans and others worldwide.

"Mandela is the epitome of resilience, humility, reconciliation and unity. South Africans owe their political stability to this man who sacrificed 27 years of his life behind bars to ensure that apartheid was eradicated. He held the bitterness of his people in check and ensured that there was no retribution when apartheid ended. "This true patriot of South Africa should always be the inspiration behind each South African. The world is watching as the Zuma era takes off and I hope the ideals of Mandela will continue to inspire his leadership," he said.

Former Presisent Rawlings also advised the new government of South Africa to take stock of the true state of democracy in South Africa and to make adjustments where necessary to strengthen its young and vibrant democracy even further. Mr. Zuma, 67, was elected as President on April 22 in a landmark election which saw a breakaway faction of the ANC, COPE also contesting.

Events marking his inauguration include a lavish swearing in ceremony involving 30 African leaders, over 5000 guests and thousands of South Africans. There will also be a cultural gala later to round off the official inauguration. 09 May 09