Media Statement: Clarification of misunderstandings on the passing of President Mwanawasa, July 3, 2008

This morning, while attending the memorial service held in remembrance of victims of the recent spate of violence against, amongst others, foreign nationals resident in our country, President Thabo Mbeki, called upon the audience to observe a moment of silence on the passing of Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa.

President Thabo Mbeki was earlier formally informed of the tragic news by an official of the Southern African Development Community.

The South African Government has been informed that President Mwanawasa has not passed on.

President Mbeki regrets the misunderstanding; and on behalf of the government and on his own behalf, wishes President Mwanawasa a speedy recovery.

For more information, please contact: Ronnie Mamoepa on: 082 990 4853

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

3 July 2008.