South Africa honours Poet, Author, Journalist and Peace Activist, Don Mattera

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad will host a Gala function in honour of Don Mattera, internationally renowned poet, author, journalist and peace activist, Don Mattera at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Saturday, 9 October 2004.

This event has been organised by the South African based Italian-South African Cultural Centre, in line with the 10-year celebration of Freedom and Democracy, and of Dr Don Mattera's contribution to the liberation struggle.

In his agreement to host the function, Deputy Minister Pahad said, "I have found it fitting to host an event in honour of Dr Mattera whom we South Africans and Italians have come to recognise as a renowned South African poet and writer between South Africa and Italy."

Mrs Elisa d'Onofrio, wife of a former Italian Cultural Attache to South Africa, who presently heads the Italian-South Africa Cultural Centre, said this event will showcase the wide cultural links between South Africa and Italy, as well as to celebrate the 10 years of peaceful democratic transition and transformation which has won South Africa many friends and admirers worldwide.

Issued on behalf of the Italian-South Africa Cultural Centre by the Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152
Pretoria
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7 October 2004