South Africa Welcomes the Appointment of Former President Nelson Mandela as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Tshwane: South Africa welcomes the appointment of former President ,Nelson Mandela as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) conferred on him by the Director - General of UNESCO, Mr Koichiro Matsuura.

Present at this occasion were the Ministers of Education, Ms Naledi Pandor and Arts and Culture Minister, Dr Pallo Jordan, the South African Permanent Representative to UNESCO and to the Republic of France, Ms Mary Sibanda Thusi and the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Ntombazana Botha.
The UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors are an outstanding group of celebrity advocates who spread the ideals of UNESCO through their name and fame.

This honour comes a few days before former President Nelson Mandela's celebrates his 87th birthday on the 18th of July 2005.

"President Thabo Mbeki ,the entire South African Government and the people of South Africa joins the international community in commending President Mandela for a life well lived and continues to draw inspiration from his world- wide achievements".Former President Mandela has also made a concerted effort to build schools throught South Africa especially in historically disadvantaged areas, together with assistance from government and the private sector, in line with the ideals of UNESCO and in support of the UN 's Millenium Development Goals.

For further information contact Nomfanelo Kota at 082 459 3787
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001
14th July 2005