South African History Online

Press statement by Nelson Mandela on his return to South Africa

4 August 1993

ANC President, Nelson Mandela, returned this morning from his state visit to
Taiwan and Malaysia, where he held extensive and fruitful discussions with Heads
of State, government ministers organisations and business representatives.

On his return President Mandela expressed his extreme concern about the
untenable situation on the East Rand. He will visit the violence-torn area
tomorrow (at a time to be announced on 5/8/93), and is arranging an urgent
meeting with President De Klerk and senior SADF and police generals.

Nelson Mandela expressed the need for urgent implementation of multi-party
control of the security forces, and the establishment of a National Peace
Keeping Force without delay. Among matters he would discuss with President De
Klerk would be the immediate and effective deployment of the SADF into the area.

President Mandela emphasised that immediate steps must be taken to prevent
further loss of life and property, and that this issue was receiving the highest
priority of the ANC leadership and members.

Issued by: Department of Information and Publicity
PO Box 61884
Marshalltown 2107