President Thabo Mbeki's Statement on the Death of Dr Kalushi Drake Koka, 20 December 2005

President Thabo Mbeki has learnt with sadness of the death of struggle stalwart Dr Kalushi Drake Koka. Taking a moment during his holiday break to mark this sad moment, President Mbeki said:

"Ntate Koka spent all his life in the service of his people. Despite being driven into exile by the erstwhile Apartheid regime, he never gave up hope that one day his country will be free and he'll once again set foot on his native South Africa."

"South Africa is indeed the poorer at the loss of this gallant son of the soil.

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa we wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time."

For more information please contact Murphy Morobe 082 463 9334 or Malerato Sekha 082 467 8579

Issued by The Presidency on 20 December 2005
Union Buildings,Tshwane