Minister Dlamini Zuma cuts short Visit to G8 Summit due to Bereavement in the Family

Tshwane- South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma cut short her visit to the G8 Summit with President Thabo Mbeki to return to South Africa today, Wednesday 6 July, due to the death of her brother Sibusiso Dlamini.

Minister Dlamini Zuma, was in Sirte, Libya as part of the South African delegation led by President Thabo Mbeki to the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit to discuss Africa's proposals for the reform of the UN system and proposals for the G8 Summit when she was advised of these unfortunate developments.

"The past two months have been the most traumatic and difficult moments in the life of Minister Dlamini Zuma who has had to endure unbearable pain with the death of her mother Rose Dlamini, her sister-in-law Hlobisile Dlamini and now her brother Sibusiso Dlamini", said Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

"Indeed, we cannot begin to fathom the pain and hurt the loss of these beloved family members have had to bear on Minister Dlamini Zuma and her family. Yet we remain confident that she will continue to draw strength from the support that we will continue to provide her during these difficult times" continued Deputy Minister Pahad.

"Accordingly and on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, cabinet colleagues, Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe, the Director-General Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba, top management and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs at home and in foreign lands, we extend our thoughts and prayers as well as our heartfelt condolences to Minister Dlamini Zuma and the broader Dlamini family.

Sibusiso Dlamini will be laid to rest on Saturday 9 July in Chesterville outside Durban.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

6 July 2005.