Botha committed to ‘equal justice’

Press, 4 February 1986, Page 10

Botha committed to ‘equal justice’

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg South African newspapers have published large advertisements in which President Pieter Botha said he was committed to sharing power with blacks.

But, in unabatlng racial violence the police reported that they shot two black women dead during clashes.

The incidents brought to six the number of blacks killed since Friday when President Botha outlined reform plans to Parliament and made an unprecedented broadcast appealing to blacks to negotiate about South Africa’s future.

The week-end English and Afrikaans newspapers printed the advertisements in which President Botha declared: “My Government and I are committed to power sharing.

“We are committed to equal opportunity for all. Equal treatment. And equal justice,” he said, citing race laws removed in his recent reforms to

apartheid. . . • ’ The message reflected the same conciliatory tone adopted by President Botha since his opening speech to Parliament on Friday which contrasted with earlier tirades against his foes at home and overseas.

He said his proposed national statutory council, in which black representatives would be asked to participate, “is not just a forum for the talkers. It is the first step towards institutionalised power sharing.”

He reaffirmed his intention to abolish the resented “pass laws," which curb the movement of blacks, by July 1 and repeated other plans to ease race segregation. He concluded: “Friends, fellow South Africans, that is the reality. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. Peace and prosperity will come about for those who, are with us. And despite those who are against us. From my heart I ask you to share in the future. To share in the new. South Africa.”