Mandela defends enquiry

PRETORIA -- President Nelson Mandela is expected to take the stand in the High Court here on March 9 to defend his decision to order an inquiry into the conduct of South African rugby.

Mr Mandela's lawyer, Mr Nicholas Haysom, said that he was considering mounting a legal challenge to the ruling on Thursday by Mr Justice William de Villiers that Mr Mandela testify in the case, along with Sports Minister Steve Tshwete and a number of sports officials.

The South Africa Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) is challenging the Browde Commission of Inquiry, set up in September to investigate the financial affairs of the white-dominated union.

Sarfu president Louis Luyt claims Mr Mandela acted unconstitutionally by ''rubber-stamping'' Mr Tshwete's decision to set up the inquiry instead of giving his full attention to the issue.

He also claims Sarfu should have been given details of the allegations against it before the commission started working.

Mr Mandela and Mr Tshwete say rugby plays an important role in nation-building, that allegations of mismanagement in the sport are a matter for public concern, and that the commission should be allowed to carry out its inquiry.

The judge said on Thursday he needed oral evidence to elaborate on affidavits from Mr Mandela and others about the inquiry.

Mr Haysom said the president had nothing to hide and, although it had not yet been determined how Mr Mandela would respond, he ''would probably testify".