Mandela ready to help in Zuma row

Nelson Mandela has no official ANC role

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has made himself available to help resolve the crisis around former Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

Mr Zuma was sacked by President Thabo Mbeki in June, and was later charged with corruption.

The charges have caused deep rifts within the governing ANC party.

Last week, hundreds of Mr Zuma's supporters cheered him as he appeared in court in Durban, some of them burning t-shirts with Mr Mbeki's image.

Mr Mandela's spokeswoman, Zelda le Grange, said the former president, known by his clan name of Madiba, was "concerned" about the situation arising from the Zuma trial.

Unity

"Madiba will remain available to the leadership structure to play a role in reaching the goals [of] a unified organisation if he is asked to do so," Ms le Grange told the South African Sunday Times newspaper.

Zuma supporters are angry over his sacking by Mr Mbeki

There are no indications that Mr Mandela has been approached to assist, and reports suggest that the former president would prefer to avoid getting involved in the controversy if possible.

Jakes Gerwel, a friend and adviser of Mr Mandela, was quoted as saying: "My advice and the advice of his wife would certainly not be to get involved."

Mr Mandela, 87, no longer has any formal role either in the ANC or in the South African government.