World : Botha Names Acting President

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Constitutional Affairs Minister Chris Heunis took office today as acting president, a day after President Pieter W. Botha suffered a mild stroke and was hospitalized.

Heunis, the 73-year-old Botha’s most senior Cabinet lieutenant, was sworn in as acting state president at Tuynhuis, the presidential office complex adjoining Parliament. A spokeswoman at Tuynhuis said Botha, acting from his bed at No. 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town’s Wynberg suburb, designated Heunis to carry out his duties. “It was at Mr. Botha’s own request. He was well enough to decide for himself,” the official said.