Minister Dlamini Zuma to participate in Commemoration of Matola Raids in Mozambique

Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Saturday 14 February 2009 deliver a keynote address at a ceremony to mark the 28th anniversary of the Matola raid carried out by apartheid security forces on ANC safe houses in Matola, Mozambique.  Minister Dlamini Zuma, accompanied by Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan and South Africa’s High Commissioner to Mozambique Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe, will depart from South Africa for Maputo on Friday afternoon.

The Matola Raid on ANC safe houses was carried out on 30 January 1981 by a unit of the South African Defence Force, as part of destabilisation efforts of southern African countries who were in support of the liberation struggle led by the ANC.  Sixteen South Africans and one Portuguese national were killed during the attack.

In addition to Minister Dlamini Zuma, the ceremony is expected to be addressed by, among others, Minister Pallo Jordan, the Mayor Matola and a representative of Frelimo.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on conclusion of the commemorative event.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

12 February 2009