Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim expressed his views on social and political problems in Africa during meetings with South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and ex-Zambian president Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

When contacted, Anwar's aide Adlin Mohd Zabri said the two renowned African politicians had called on their Malaysian counterpart to actively participate in addressing key economic issues in the continent as well as on democracy and Aids.

"The hour-long meeting with Kaunda which was held soon after Anwar arrived in Johannesburg on Friday, was very meaningful to Anwar as Kaunda is a highly respected leader and politician in Africa. It was their first meeting," said Adlin.

"Kaunda said he respected Anwar's opinions on key issues and believed that he can help other advocates in improving Africa, socially and politically."

Kaunda is well known for his active involvement in fighting discrimination against Africans in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Namibia in the 1970s.

Emotional meeting

Adlin said Anwar had an "emotional meeting" in Pretoria last Saturday with Manuel, who was described as "an old friend".

"Manuel was very happy to meet Anwar, whom he had befriended while the latter was Malaysia's finance minister. He has been keeping close tabs on Anwar's development after he was sacked, arrested and jailed in 1998.

"The South African government had been very supportive of efforts to free Anwar. Manuel and Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile made sure that Anwar's struggle for reform remained alive," he said.

Adlin said Anwar's week-long visit to South Africa is packed with meetings and dialogues with several groups.

He also revealed that the politician had met with former South African president Nelson Mandela today.

"It was a good meeting, but I can only give out the details later," he said.

Anwar is also expected to give a speech at the county's oldest and most prestigious university, Cape Town University on the topic 'Asia-African Renaissance'.

He has also been invited to attend a dialogue with the Muslim Jurists Council in Cape Town and is hoping to meet the Cape Malay community there.