Statement on the Death of South African Ambassador to Vietnam, Simon Makana

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazama Dlamini Zuma, today, Sunday 15 February 2004, dispatched a team of Foreign Affairs officials led by Ambassador George Nene to Vietnam to help return the mortal remains of South Africa’s late Ambassador to Vietnam, Simon Makana, back to South Africa.

Ambassador Makana, a former member of the NEC of the ANC and a close friend of the late Chris Hani and Anderson Khanyile passed away on Wednesday, 11 February 2004 in Vietnam. This was his second posting since 1994, having first served as South Africa’s second Ambassador to the Russian Federation in 1996.

Ambassador Makana left the country under the auspices of the ANC in 1963 alongside President Thabo Mbeki and Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabla–Msimang. He completed a Masters Degree in Economics at the Moscow State University before returning to Morogoro and Lusaka where he worked in the Secretary General’s Office and the then ANC Department of Intelligence and Security under the leadership of the late Mxwai Piliso and Joe Nhlanhla before heading the ANC Moscow Mission as an ANC Chief Representative.

"Our thoughts and prayers reach out to his wife, Sinye and his two daughters Nomvuyo and Lulama during this time of bereavement." Says Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"On behalf of the Ministry and staff of Foreign Affairs, at home and abroad, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues," said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

A memorial service in honour our beloved late Ambassador Makana will be held later during the week in Pretoria.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152

PRETORIA

0001

15 February 2004