Former state president PW Botha was "a monster on the same level" as Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler, Cosatu's Western Cape branch said yesterday.
Former state president PW Botha was "a monster on the same level" as Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler, Cosatu's Western Cape branch said yesterday.
The labour federation said that it would oppose any attempts to dress up his legacy into "anything other than the monstrous system that it spawned".
"He was the devil personified, at the same level that Hitler was, and should be treated as a pariah by peace-loving people.
"As we bury him on Wednesday [today], our compassion goes to his family, and our appreciation to all those who confronted the brutal regime he led.
"It is fitting that both him and his time has come to an end.
"Good riddance."
Cosatu said Botha should be remembered for the pain and suffering imposed on the people of South Africa, but that he should also be forgiven "because no more good time should be wasted on him".
Botha, who died last week, at the age of 90, headed the apartheid-era government from 1978 to 1989 until he was replaced by the National Party's last ruling president, FW de Klerk.
lToday's memorial service, to be attended by relatives and former party members, will be held in George.
He will be buried in the afternoon at Hoekwil, above his home at Wilderness. - Sapa
Cosatu has no regrets
Former state president PW Botha was "a monster on the same level" as Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler, Cosatu's Western Cape branch said yesterday.
Former state president PW Botha was "a monster on the same level" as Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler, Cosatu's Western Cape branch said yesterday.
The labour federation said that it would oppose any attempts to dress up his legacy into "anything other than the monstrous system that it spawned".
"He was the devil personified, at the same level that Hitler was, and should be treated as a pariah by peace-loving people.
"As we bury him on Wednesday [today], our compassion goes to his family, and our appreciation to all those who confronted the brutal regime he led.
"It is fitting that both him and his time has come to an end.
"Good riddance."
Cosatu said Botha should be remembered for the pain and suffering imposed on the people of South Africa, but that he should also be forgiven "because no more good time should be wasted on him".
Botha, who died last week, at the age of 90, headed the apartheid-era government from 1978 to 1989 until he was replaced by the National Party's last ruling president, FW de Klerk.
lToday's memorial service, to be attended by relatives and former party members, will be held in George.
He will be buried in the afternoon at Hoekwil, above his home at Wilderness. - Sapa
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