Mandela Backs Zuma in S. African Election

(NEWSER) - The South African parliament elected Jacob Zuma president today, and the country’s new leader will be inaugurated on Saturday, Reuters reports. Zuma’s ANC routed the opposition in last month’s election, and today’s election was expected. The new president will name a cabinet on Sunday; international watchers hope that respected Finance Minister Trevor Manuel will stay on to provide continuity. More»

Motlanthe viewed as able to ease tensions within ruling party

(NEWSER) - Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in as South Africa’s caretaker president today after winning three-quarters of a parliamentary ballot, the BBC reports. The left-leaning intellectual is seen as someone who can ease rifts between supporters of Jacob Zuma, head of the African National Congress party head, and former President Thabo Mbeki. 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»

Nobel laureate doing 'as fine as can be at his age'

(NEWSER) - Nelson Mandela has been released from a South African hospital after a laparoscopy "did not indicate anything seriously wrong" with the 93-year-old democracy icon, President Jacob Zuma said today in a statement. Mandela was hospitalized yesterday with an abdominal complaint, but the AP notes that Zuma's statement says he is "relaxed and comfortable. The doctors are happy with the progress he is making. We thank all South Africans for their love and support of Madiba." Madiba is Mandela's clan name, notes the BBC . More»

Daughters, mother join her on South African trip

(NEWSER) - Arriving in South Africa today, Michelle Obama met Nelson Mandela for the first time and said her husband was unhappy he couldn’t join them. “Michelle Obama certainly convinced the dignitaries she is excited to be here, and said her husband is 'pouty' that he isn't,” tweeted a journalist at a South African newspaper. Michelle Obama’s daughters, mother, niece, and nephew were there, however, to meet with Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel. More»