Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Announces Death of Former South African Ambassador to Japan

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today - Wednesday, 26 May 2004 - announced with regret and sadness the death of South Africa's former Ambassador to Tokyo, Japan, Karamchund Mackerdhuj (64) who passed away at his home early this morning in Durban.

The late Ambassador Mackerdhuj was appointed in 1997 by President Mbeki as South Africa's Ambassador to Japan. At the end of his term in 2003 Ambassador Mackerdhuj returned to South Africa and was based at Headquarters in Pretoria.

Professionally the late Ambassador Mackerdhuj acquired various qualifications from Rhodes, Durban-Westville, UNISA, and the Fort Hare Universities. He had previously worked in various capacities as a teacher, researcher, technologist and analytical chemist before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Dlamini Zuma recalled the important contribution that the late Ambassador Mackerdhuj had made towards the strengthening of the warm and friendly relations between the governments and peoples of SA and Japan.

Minister Dlamini Zuma, on behalf of the government, extends her deepest sympathies to members of the bereaved family, friends and colleagues.

"In this regard, our thoughts and prayers particularly reach out to his wife Suminthra, his two sons Avin and Prashim during this difficult moment of their lives," concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

26 May 2004