Shadow of Brown follows Blair to Africa

But Tony Blair's big moment was spoiled somewhat when the former South African president, one of the world's most revered statesmen, lavished generous praise on his successor Gordon Brown.

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Mr Blair and his wife Cherie met Mr Mandela and his wife, Graca Michel, at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a charity that works with children and young people in Johannesburg.

After the pair exchanged warm compliments, Mr Mandela - 89 next month - made Mr Blair freeze with embarrassment by turning his attention to Mr Brown's "leadership and energy".

Failing to notice the surprise on Mr Blair's face, the former African National Congress leader continued: "I look forward to Gordon's premiership of Britain" and declared him a "dear friend of Africa".

Mr Blair has never hidden his admiration for Mr Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for fighting South Africa's apartheid regime.

As the system collapsed, Mr Mandela was released and went on to become the country's first democratically elected president.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr Blair invited him to address both Houses of Parliament - a rare honour.

Yesterday, in his traditional colourful shirt and walking with the aid of a stick, Mr Mandela greeted the Prime Minister with a hug and kissed Mrs Blair before clasping their hands.

Turning his attention to Mr Blair, he declared: "He is a very good friend of Africa and I know his commitments to the continent will continue.

We wish him the very best for his future. I look forward to welcoming a young man like you to the club of retired presidents.

"I need to warn you that some of us only become active after stepping down from public office.

"I know that your energy, passion and youth means you will still play a big role in international affairs and I look forward for your contribution to continue."

Earlier, Mr Blair flew into South Africa's biggest city to begin the final leg of his last tour to Africa before he leaves office.

He addressed academics, clergymen and business leaders at the University of South Africa to hammer home his message on climate change, the importance of achieving deals at the upcoming world trade talks and the future of Africa.

But despite urging nations to do more to tackle climate change, he refused to blame the U.S. for failing to sign up to the Kyoto Agreement, which aims to reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.

He said: "There is a political reality here which is that America, whoever is in office, will not agree to a climate change deal that does not have China and India in it and, to be blunt, that's not for a completely stupid reason."

He pointed out that China is opening a coal-fired power station every four days and drawing up plans for 70 new airports.

Mr Blair also warned Sudan that it will face UN sanctions if it fails to stop ethnic cleansing in Darfur, which has left 200,000 dead, two million homeless and four million relying on food aid.

He stopped short of rebuking African governments for failing to tackle dictator Robert Mugabe for presiding over a humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe.

He said only: "African governments should also hold other African governments to account."