|
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) - President Thabo Mbeki fired his deputy health minister, one of the country's most respected female politicians, sparking anger Thursday among AIDS activists.
Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge was credited with revamping a beleaguered campaign against AIDS, earning the respect of activists working against the spread of the deadly virus.
Mbeki dismissed her late Wednesday following reports that she had gone to Spain to attend an AIDS conference without his permission. A brief statement from the presidency, released just before midnight, gave no reason for the dismissal.
|