The ruling African National Congress in South Africa has lost its bid to block publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report into human rights abuses.

The party had sought with a last-minute legal action to delay the report's release so it could question allegations that it had committed serious human rights violations during the struggle to end apartheid.

Earlier, the Commission's chairman, Archbishop Tutu, said he was devastated by the ANC's move.

He said he had not fought against one tyranny during the apartheid years just to see it replaced by another.

The commission yesterday dropped allegations against the last president of the apartheid era, F.W. de Klerk, after he threatened legal action.

Journalists are now being allowed to study the report and a copy is to be presented to President Mandela at a ceremony shortly.