President Nelson Mandela, in his last New Year's address as president, has said the task of South Africans in 1999 is to complete the reconstruction and development of their society.

Mr Mandela said South Africa was founded on a pledge to end poverty and inequality, and people should be guided by the spirit of shared responsibility.

He said 1998 had shown how much could be achieved by working together, with communities working every day to help provide clean water, health care, housing and electricity.

Mr Mandela is to step down as president after elections to be held by the middle of next year.