New ANC chief urges solidarity

The new leader of the African National Congress in South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has urged his country's people to work together to overcome the legacy of apartheid.

In his first public speech since taking over the ANC presidency from Nelson Mandela last month, Mr Mbeki, who is Deputy President of South Africa, called on communities to show solidarity in the face of rising crime.

He defended the ANC's record since it came to power in 1994, saying that although progress had been slower than hoped, the government had increased access to health care and education.

He praised the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he said had shed significant light on human rights violations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service