Mandela's Ex Poised for Return to Power

91-year-old taking limited role in South Africa events

(NEWSER) - Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from a South African prison, but the 91-year-old won’t return to the site of his 27-year incarceration to join in a retracing of his steps to freedom over concerns that he’s too frail for the task. The abrupt announcement came today from the African National Congress, which Mandela led and in which his ex-wife is still powerful. More»

Ahead of vote, would-be S. African prez faces 16 counts of fraud

(NEWSER) - Jacob Zuma, the leader of the African National Congress and the likely next president of South Africa, once again faces corruption charges after the country's top appeals court reinstated 16 counts of fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion today. The court reversed a bombshell ruling from last September that threw out the charges and ultimately led to the resignation of his rival, former president Thabo Mbeki, reports the Mail & Guardian. More»

Controversial figure now in line to be S. Africa's president

(NEWSER) - Jacob Zuma is in line to become president of South Africa in 2009 after the country’s ruling party elected him leader today, Reuters reports. The beloved but controversial populist won easily over current President Thabo Mbeki, bringing jubilation from his supporters but raising questions about the country’s economic future, rifts within the ANC, and Mbeki’s remaining time in office. More»

Former South African president receiving many bedside visits

(NEWSER) - Nelson Mandela is in the hospital for the second day for what his office claims are routine tests—but his unusually long stay has sparked a media frenzy, especially after news that he’s had numerous visitors, including his ex-wife. The 92-year-old former South African president has rarely been seen since 2004, the AP notes; he has appeared increasingly frail, and his last public appearance was in July, at the World Cup closing ceremony, the New York Times adds. More»

Leader's writings released in new memoir

(NEWSER) - Nelson Mandela sat in a prison cell for 27 years, alone and separated from his family, with not much more to do than write—waves of words documenting his anguish that are now being released in a new memoir, Conversations With Myself. Some excerpts, as per the BBC:

• To wife Winnie Mandela, he wrote in 1969 that his main problem was "my waking up without you close to me, the passing of the day without my having seen you."
• To his daughters, aged 9 and 10, as both he and Winnie were imprisoned in 1969: "Now you will get no birthday or Christmas parties, no presents or new dresses no shoes or toys." Later: "Long may you live as orphans."
• A year later, he wrote Winnie that "I feel I have been soaked in gall, every part of me, my flesh, bloodstream, bone and soul, so bitter am I to be completely powerless to help you in the rough and fierce ordeals you are going through."