South Africa's High Commissioner to Namibia Dies

Pretoria - Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma sadly announces the untimely death of South Africa's High Commissioner to Namibia, Tim Maseko, who passed away on Sunday 31 December 2006 at a the Flora Clinic in Johannesburg following a heart attack.

The late High Commissioner Tim Maseko, born 1935, had served before as South Africa's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Ghana and Chile. He also served as ANC Chief Representative to Denmark in the 80s. He was Director of ANC's Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Mazimbu, Tanzania in the 80s. He had previously served in the under ground structures of the ANC in Swaziland.

"Death has once more robbed our country and its people of a cadre in our quest to create a better South Africa in a better Africa and better world" said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"The Maseko family can draw inspiration from the knowledge that Tim Maseko lived his life to the fullest having enjoyed the fruits of his labour in our efforts to create a better life for all South Africans" continued Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"On behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and the people of South Africa, we share in the pain and sorrow of the Maseko family while extending our heartfelt condolences to the broader Maseko family" concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

1 January 2007