WHITE separatist movement Orania has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, indicating that the striving for reconciliation would continue even after his death.
There were early fears by some of a right-wing backlash after the death of Mandela.
Orania leader Carel Boshoff said the movement and Mandela shared the same view of mutual recognition and "because we shared with him the view that mutual recognition rather than denial of our (cultural and political) differences should form the basis for constructive co-operation, there was a special appreciation for his visit and continued interest in Orania and the families (of) Boshoff and Verwoerd".
Mr Boshoff sent condolences to Mandela’s family and all the people who saw him as a father figure. He said Mandela’s legacy would ensure him a place in history.
Former president FW de Klerk said he was convinced that the vast majority of Afrikaners had an understanding and appreciation for the way in which Mandela reached out to them and drew attention to the way Mandela had gone to Orania to visit Betsy Verwoerd, the widow of the architect of apartheid, Hendrik Verwoerd.
"Of course there is a small minority who will not pay tribute like the ones who still call me a traitor," Mr de Klerk said.
Elsewhere, reports were that the infamous US Westboro Baptist Church, a hate-group known for picketing at the funerals of homosexuals and American soldiers killed in duty, could be planning to travel to South Africa to protest at Mandela’s funeral.
The church tweeted from its account @WBCSays: "Thank God for Nelson Mandela being dropped into Hell! Westboro Baptist Church booking flight to South Africa (not banned) to picket funeral!" The church then asked several South African news services via Twitter for details about the funeral so "travel arrangements can be made ASAP".
