Winnie Mandela fired from post

Winnie Mandela fired from post

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuter): South African President Nelson Mandela said yesterday he had fired his estranged wife Winnie as a deputy minister in his government.

"I have released Winnie Mandela of her position as deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology," Mandela told a news conference in Cape Town.

Mandela said he had appointed Bridget Mabandla to replace her with immediate effect.

He was asked why he had fired her and he replied: "You must accept my assurance that I have exercised my right very, very carefully."

Mrs. Mandela's job, which does not include a seat in the cabinet, has been in doubt since she defied a presidential order and traveled to West Africa in mid-February.