South Africa's Desmond Tutu defends reconciliation process

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Retired archbishop Desmond Tutu is defending South Africa's reconciliation policy that followed white-minority rule, saying the country has social and economic problems largely because of later mismanagement.

In recent social media posts, some South Africans described entrenched racism, as well as growing allegations that the reconciliation process was too lenient toward the former white rulers.

As part of that process, Tutu chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that investigated past atrocities and granted amnesty to some accused perpetrators. Today, some South Africans believe more former white officials should have been prosecuted.

In a recent statement, Tutu said that even Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader who became president, was derided by some South Africans for "'selling out' in favor of white capital."