President Robert Mugabe's information minister has dismissed criticism from anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu says Mandela was only bowing to Western pressure when he referred to a "failure of leadership" in Zimbabwe. Mandela made the comments Wednesday during a visit to Britain.

Ndlovu nonetheless called Mandela a statesman. He said Thursday that he condemns the West for pressuring African leaders, not Mandela.

Although former South African President Mandela has been out of office for nearly a decade, he a remains a commanding and respected figure. He uses his influence sparingly, and it is particularly rare for him to differ publicly differ with South Africa's current president, Thabo Mbeki.