Mandela Says ANC Shares Violence Blame

Nelson Mandela, admitting that ANC members are partly responsible for bloody black factional fighting, pleaded with his followers Tuesday to refrain from violence.

Mandela, president of the African National Congress, urged his supporters to show tolerance for their political opponents, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party.

The ANC has often blamed the political violence that has killed thousands in recent years on its black and white opponents, repeatedly accusing government security forces and Inkatha of instigating the fighting.

But Mandela conceded during a speech at a political rally that the ANC is not blameless in its battles with members of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

“I’m not going to blame the IFP and the government only. We must face the truth--our people are just as involved in violence,” he said.

Mandela told 2,000 supporters in the black township of Mamelodi outside Pretoria to condemn ANC followers responsible for violence. He said people involved in senseless killings are “animals” and will not be tolerated in the ANC.

He made the remarks at a burial ceremony for Solomon Mahlangu, a member of the ANC’s military wing who was executed in 1979 after being convicted in a double killing. Mahlangu, who had been buried in another township, was reburied Tuesday with full ANC honors near his home in Mamelodi.

Mandela’s statement appeared to be aimed at restraining his more radical supporters. He also wants to attract support and votes from outside the ANC by projecting a more moderate image as South Africa moves toward multiracial democracy.

Black and white leaders are concerned that the violence will make it difficult to hold elections and end white-minority rule. Political parties agreed in resumed talks last week that ending violence is a top priority, but they could not agree on what to do.

Mandela warned that the ANC could lose elections unless it organizes broad support.