Former President Mandela sent a letter to the Union Buildings earlier today, congratulating President Kgalema Motlanthe on his appointment. The letter read as follows :

"Dear Mister President"

Please accept our sincerest congratulations and best wishes on your appointment to the high office of President of the Republic of South Africa. We have known you for a long time and you are eminently deserving of this high honour. You are a quiet, firm and principled leader, one who puts reason above emotions and one who seeks to unite rather than divide. We know that our country is in good hands with you at the helm of government. Please convey our congratulations and best wishes to the members of your Cabinet.

We join with you, Mr President, in recording our deep appreciation of the service rendered to this country by out going President Thabo Mbeki. The achievements of his government had indeed been impressive and we wish him well in whatever he chooses to pursue.

We also wish to thank you, Mister President, for the courtesy of coming to brief us on Tuesday morning and for the pleasant two hour visit with a retired old man. As we said then, we recognise that from now on we will have to write official letters if we wish to have the pleasure of your company. Please remain assured, Mister President, of our highest consideration. Source : The Presidency, 26 September 2008