Nelson Mandela and Hansie Cronje have met up as the result of a request by the disgraced former captain of South Africa.

Although details of their meeting are being kept private Mandela told reporters that he'd had stern words with Cronje.

"It is my duty to say to him 'you have made a serious mistake,' " Mandela explained. "This is a young man who focused the attention of the world to South Africa, as far as cricket is concerned. The message I gave him is that a person can turn tragedy into triumph, and he has that capacity."

"I wanted to encourage him without in any way excusing what he has done if these allegations turn out to be true. If they are true then I'm sure he is prepared to take what is going to come. He can still be a role model."

The final report of the King enquiry is expected in December. Cronje will receive immunity if Judge King is satisfied that he has assisted with the enquiry and revealed all possible information.

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