Nelson Mandela has sent a letter of congratulation to South Africa's new leader.
Mandela, the nation's first post-apartheid leader, says in the letter released by his office Friday that President Kgalema Motlanthe is a "quiet, firm and principled leader" who is "eminently deserving of this high honor."
Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid, served as South Africa's president from 1994 to 1999, when he was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki.
Motlanthe was sworn in as president on Thursday to replace Mbeki, who has been ordered to step down by his governing African National Congress.
In his letter, Mandela expressed his "deep appreciation" for the "impressive" achievements of Mbeki and wished him well in the future.
