For this, his last speech as head of the African National Congress, President Mandela seemed to debunk his image as peace-maker and champion of reconciliation.

He criticized elements in the white community that are resistant to change, saying that there were few leaders among whites who had made the transition to a multi-racial, democratic society.

President Mandela also hit out at the opposition parties and the media, saying that they were also stuck in the old mind-set.

For his own party he had little criticism, except that they may have contributed to the breakdown in law and order by promoting revolutionary ideas in the townships.

It was the speech of a leader playing to the gallery - to party members who are frustrated with the slow pace of change in South Africa.

Chief among this group is his ex-wife, Winnie Madikazela Mandela. She has large support among rank-and-file ANC members and if she is to stand a chance of running for the number two job in the organisation, she must achieve substantial backing on the floor of the conference.