South Africa's ruling African National Congress admitted today it had damaged the country's image by its handling of allegations of a plot to oust President Mr Thabo Mbeki.
Last week Safety and Security Minister Mr Steve Tshwete said there was a plot to overthrow Mr Mbeki and that it was being led by three top ANC members seen as potential rivals to the president.
The allegations created an international uproar, with international figures, including former president Mr Nelson Mandela, rallying to the support of the three accused ANC leaders.
ANC spokesman Mr Smuts Ngonyama said in an interview carried by state television today that the party and the government had learned hard lessons from the way the allegations were handled.
"I do believe that such statements are not adding value to our country. They are diminishing the stability and credibility that have been the hallmark of our country," Mr Ngonyama said.
"Out of this whole situation I'm sure we have learnt lessons, he said.We have learnt we need to deal with those issues immediately and bring clarity to the public lest we put people in a very difficult position."
Mr Tshwete will appear before a parliamentary committee tomorrow to brief it on the plot allegations.