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Statement on the Death of Stanley Mabizela,
Patriot, Leader and Diplomat
Mr Stanley Mabizela, the former High Commisioner of
South Africa to Namibia died on Tuesday, 8th April 2003.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma, sadly announces the passing away of this veteran
of the struggle. "Stanley Mabizela, an internationalist
and patriot, a distinguished son of Africa, an eloquent
speaker and one who led many of the youth of our country
in the struggle for peace, democracy and justice- is
no more" said Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Stanley Mabizela passed away
in Port Elizabeth, having served his people with diligence
and dedication throughout his life. An activist since
his youthful days, Mabizela was the ANC Youth League
Chairperson in the mid - 70's, articulate and eloquent
in the defence of the ANC policies, he was the spokesperson
of the ANC Department of International Affairs and in
this capacity worked closely with the then Head of the
Department, and now President Thabo Mbeki.
"His death comes at a time when the country is
charting unnavigated waters in the terrain of international
affairs, when the world looks upon South Africa to share
its experiences in matters of conflict resolution and
peace - making. Even now with the war against Iraq,
his profound thinking abilities, wise counsel, grounded
in the trenches of internationalism and solidarity with
the wretched and the poor of the world, would have come
in very useful during these trying times" continued
Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Minister Dlamini Zuma, the government and the entire
people of South Africa dip their banners in respectful
homage to Comrade Stan, a man who had dedicated all
his entire life to the struggle for democracy and freedom
in South Africa, serving the people with great courage
and an unswerving loyalty.
Stan Mabizela will be greatly missed by the entire
staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs- at home
and abroad, the ANC family, and all those who have worked
with him in the international community with fond memories.
Accordingly, Minister Dlamini Zuma extends hers and
the Department of Foreign Affair's heartfelt condolences
to his family, friends and colleagues and express the
hope that they will find solace in the knowledge that
their pain is shared by millions of South Africans around
the country and abroad.
For more information contact Nomfanelo Kota at 082-377-7208
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria 0001
9th April 2003
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