Details of Memorial Service and Funeral of the Late Ambassador Makana

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will address the memorial service of Sipho Makana, South Africa's late Ambassador to Vietnam, at the Methodist Church, corner of Andries and Visagie Streets, Pretoria on Friday, 20th February 2004 at 12:00 noon.

The memorial service is expected to be attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to South Africa, South Africa's Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to various countries in the Continent, senior government officials and members of the ANC, SACP and MK Veterans Association.

Ambassador Makana's funeral will be held on Saturday, 21 February 2004 at his residence in Pilane, Mochudi Village, Botswana. The body will lie in state from 05:30 to 06:30 for viewing by family, friends and colleagues.

The mortal remains of Ambassador Makana were today, Thursday - 19 February 2004 - received by the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, Deputy Directors-General Ndumiso Ntshinga, Dr Anil Sooklal and members of the family at Johannesburg International Airport.

The body of Ambassador Makana was transferred to his home in Pilane, Mochudi Village, Botswana where he was expected to be received by South Africa's High Commissioner to Botswana, Eunice Komane.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma reiterated the Government's message of support, "our thoughts and prayers reach out to his beloved wife, Sennye Nteseng, daughters Nomvuyo, Lulama and son Mothusi."

"On behalf of the government and people of South Africa we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues," said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
19 February 2004