Tutu and Zuma bury the hatchet

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South Africa's President Jacob Zuma and one of his biggest critics - the former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu - have made peace.

The Nobel Peace prize winner has been vocal about his lack of faith in Mr Zuma's fitness for the presidency.

But after a meeting with Mr Zuma, he said the new president should be given a chance to prove himself.

Mr Zuma faces major challenges as the country battles with its first recession in 17 years.

'Wise counsel'

President Zuma held a private meeting with Archibishop Tutu in the capital, Pretoria.

Afterwards Mr Zuma said the two men agreed to "work together for the good of South Africa".

They discussed South Africa's current issues, including the recent violent protests and strikes in parts of the country, the archbishop said in a statement.

Archbishop Tutu, who initiated the meeting, was reportedly impressed with Mr Zuma's eagerness to see him in spite of the criticism.

Mr Zuma denied reports that he had been "singled out" and said Archbishop Tutu had also at times been critical of former Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki when he believed it was warranted.

He said the archbishop had offered "wise counsel on some critical matters", AP agency reports.

Before his election in April, corruption charges against Mr Zuma were dropped.

The archbishop's comments that Mr Zuma should have faced the charges in court to prove his innocence angered many Zuma supporters.