President Thabo Mbeki to attend the Funeral Service of the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa

Pretoria- South African President and Mrs. Thabo Mbeki supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Wednesday 3 September 2008 represent the government and people of South Africa during the official funeral service of the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa.

In his message of support following the death of President Mwanawasa, President Mbeki said “ The Government and people of South Africa and indeed the entire SADC region are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of our brother and leader, and recent Chairperson of SADC, President Levy Mwanawasa’.

“Coming in the wake of the recently concluded SADC Summit held in Johannesburg, the peoples of our country and region- SADC- will most certainly miss his invaluable contribution to the region’s political and economic development.

“ In memory of this African Patriot and leader of the Zambian people, we surely must commit ourselves to building upon the foundations he laid during his tenure as the Chairperson of SADC for the deepening of regional economic integration, intensification of regional infrastructure development as well as the restoration and strengthening of regional political unity and cohesion”.

“Accordingly, during these difficult moments, we can only but share in the pain and sorrow of the Zambian peoples at the loss of President Mwanawasa. In this regard, our thoughts and prayers necessarily reach out to the entire Zambian nation and in particular members of the bereaved family.

“The people of South Africa and indeed the entire SADC region, accordingly, extend their heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Zambia and to his widow Maureen Mwanawasa and the children” concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

2 September 2008