President Jacob Zuma extend Condolences on the death of Senator Edward Kennedy

Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has today, Wednesday 26 August 2009 on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, extended its sincerest condolences to the Government and the people of the United States of America, and particularly the Kennedy family, for the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy.

In mourning the loss of Senator Kennedy, President Zuma said “Senator Kennedy was an esteemed figure in American politics and society. He served the American people with passion and tenacity in his long years in the Senate”.  President Zuma further said that “this was in line with the longstanding tradition of his family, which has played a critical role in recent American, and indeed, world history through public office and activism”.

For South Africa, he became a comrade and a friend in the fight for liberation. This was because of his strong belief that all people are born equal and his nature, which did not allow him to rest in the face of injustice. Indeed, President Zuma continued “even in the United States his determined advocacy for reforms of the Healthcare system attested to his courage of conviction and commitment to serving mankind”. We hope that even in his passing his legacy will serve to inspire his fellow countrymen to take up the banner in continuing the fight to keep those ideals alive.

To his family, our thoughts and prayers will be with you in these difficult times. We grief the loss of this great man but the legacy of his contribution to this world will continue to serve as a sort of hope to us.

For more information contact Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152,
Pretoria, 0001

26 August 2009