I support the decision by President Thabo Mbeki to fly the flag at half-mast until former president PW Botha, right, is buried.

I support the decision by President Thabo Mbeki to fly the flag at half-mast until former president PW Botha, right, is buried.

This is a reflection of our president's political maturity, which enables him to separate the person from the office.

In spite of the fact that Mbeki felt the pain of Botha's oppressive and brutal politics, he still recognises that Botha was a president of South Africa and has to be shown respect when he is laid to rest.

With reference to the claims by some that giving Botha such an honour is a slap in the face, the African Christian Democratic Party strongly disagrees. We believe Mbeki has done the right thing.

For the very first time, I am in complete agreement with the ANC Youth League in their expressed support for Mbeki's stance on the issue.

I commend the youth league for its ability to acknowledge that despite his politics, Botha must be accorded due recognition as a former state president of South Africa.

Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, ACDP President, Cape Town