Message of Condolence on the passing on of Prof. Wangari Maathai

The South African government is saddened by the passing on of Prof. Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Laureate. 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has described the late Prof. Maathai as an icon, an inspiration, a true African patriot and a great internationalist.  

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said: “Prof. Maathai departs the world of the living at a time when Africa and the world need her the most given the challenges posed by climate change, a subject she was passionate about.”

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane also said: “We are saddened by her death, but we are grateful for the contribution she made during her lifetime towards improving the living conditions of the African people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kenyan people, particularly the family of Prof. Maathai, at this time of mourning the loss of an exceptional lady.”

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria

26 September 2011