South Africa Congratulates Senator Barack Obama on his election as President Elect of the United States of America

Pretoria- South African President and Chairperson of SADC, President Kgalema Motlanthe today, Wednesday 5 November 2008 conveyed the warm congratulations of the government and people of South Africa, the SADC region and indeed on his own behalf, to Senator Barrack Obama on his election as the President-elect of the United States of America.

“The government and people of South Africa and indeed those of the entire region of SADC join the peoples of the United States of America in expressing their warm congratulations to you, Your Excellency, on your resounding election as the President-elect of United States of America” said President Motlanthe

“Your election to this high office of the American people carries with it hope  for millions of your country men and women as much as it is for millions of people of particularly of the African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the Diaspora”.

“In this regard, they too, express the hope that your election to the Presidency of the United States of America will indeed contribute significantly to efforts in the continent of Africa to help bring about “change they can believe in” to create a better life for all” continued President Motlanthe.

“Accordingly, Africa which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it.

“We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa which remains a challenge for humanity will indeed continue to receive a greater attention of the focus of the new administration”

“South Africa looks forward to working with you, Your Excellency, in the consolidation of the strategic bilateral political, economic, trade and social relations between our two governments and peoples”

“We wish you, your Excellency, a fruitful and healthy life during your tenure as President of United States of America” concluded President Motlanthe

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
05 November 2008