Minister Dlamini Zuma confirms death of Miriam Makeba

Brussels- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has been advised by South Africa’s Ambassador to Rome, Ambassador Lenin Shope of the untimely death of South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba.

Miriam Makeba passed way at the Veneto Verde hospital near Naples on Sunday 9 November after performing at the Castel Volturno following which she collapsed as she was leaving the stage.  She received paramedic assistance and was rushed to hospital where she unfortunately passed way.

In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma said “one of the greatest songstresses of our time Miriam Makeba has ceased to sing.  Miriam Makeba, South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador died performing what she did best –an ability to, communicate a positive message through the art of singing” said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

“Throughout her life, Mama Makeba communicated a positive message to the world about the struggle of the people of South Africa and the certainty of victory over the dark forces of apartheid colonialism through the art of song”.

“It was accordingly befitting that with the dawn of peace, democracy and justice in South Africa, our government saw it fit to appoint her Goodwill Ambassador of our country through which she continued to communicate a positive message to the world about developments in South Africa” continued Minister Dlamini Zuma.

“In this context, the Ministry Foreign Affairs will miss her invaluable contribution to efforts aimed at projecting a positive image of our country abroad.

“On behalf of our President Kgalema Motlanthe, our Ambassadors and High  Commissioners stationed abroad, management and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs, we convey our heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved family” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 0829904853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

10 November 2008