Reporting on South Africa

Regarding the article, "Pretoria's `Divide and Rule' Strategy in Ciskei," Sept. 9: The coverage of government-military impropriety in South Africa has been extraordinary. It is ironic that for years the South African government, attempting to preserve minority rule, has said that under majority rule the country would become like other African states: dictatorial and impoverished. Yet it seems white South Africa is more like its neighbors than not. It is a military state with the continent's most refined civilian guise. Michael L. Lyster, Fullerton, Calif.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115. -PATHNAME- /usr/local/etc/httpd/plweb/DBGROUPS/paper/database/tape/92/sep/day30/letter4.