Loss to Africa

It was with shock, surprise and sadness that I read your obituary of Prof Frederik van Zyl Slabbert (17 May).

I was there when he addressed the Royal African Society in London, shortly after he left the South African parliament in 1986. I asked him: "Does the ANC recognise the concept of a loyal opposition?" He replied: "Yes, that is a question which ought to be asked". He said he did not know the answer, but that it could be raised at the next round of negotiations. He was a great man, and his death represents a major loss to Africa.

RICHARD DEVERIA

Market Street

Aberfeldy