Hospitalisation of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday, 06 April 2006

The South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was admitted and operated upon at a Pretoria hospital on Thursday, 6 April 2006. "Minister Dlamini Zuma was admitted to a Pretoria hospital where she underwent a successful operation which was conducted on Thursday, 6 April 2006"

This was a planned operation whose timing was discussed some time back between the medical team and Minister Dlamini Zuma with due regard to her wish to cause the least disruption to her programme. " In this regard Minister Dlamini Zuma is stable and currently recuperating from the operation in hospital, said Dr. Ntsaluba"

" Minister Dlamini Zuma will need to recuperate fully and be away from official duties for a period of about three weeks as suggested by the Head of the Medical Team" "Consequently, Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya will for the duration of the recuperation period, assume the responsibility as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the day to day duties will be carried out by the two Foreign Ministers Aziz Pahad and Sue van der Merwe" continued , Dr Ntsaluba.

" On behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and the family of Minister Dlamini Zuma, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to the medical team that is taking care of her. In this regard, the thoughts and prayers of the entire government reaches to Minister Dlamini Zuma as she recuperates from the operation"

" I am in regular contact with the doctors and there is no reason to be concerned". Minister Dlamini Zuma will make full recovery and we will continue to extend the necessary support to her family".

Issued by the Director -General, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/ Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001
7 April 2006