The Presidential Years

Nelson Mandela has dismissed rumours that F-W de Klerk is pulling out of South Africa's government of National unity.

Mandela's African National Congress Party accuses deputy president de Klerk of starting the rumour himself - in a bid to destabilise financial markets ahead of local elections next month.

A spokesman for de Klerk denied the A-N-C allegation - calling it ridiculous.

President Mandela met the board of directors of the Associated Press at a Johannesburg hotel on Thursday as rumours of de Klerk's resignation circulated.

The President was quick to speak out against the talk of a split.