PRESS STATEMENT

Deputy Minister Fransman expresses concern following Cyclone Giovanna in Madagascar

15 February 2012

On behalf of SADC and in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), the South African Special Envoy to Madagascar, Deputy Minister Marius Fransman of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has expressed his heartfelt concern and empathy for the people of Madagascar in the wake of the destruction caused Cyclone Giovanna.

Deputy Minister Fransman said: “SADC expresses its sincere support and sympathy to all the victims of cyclone Giovanna and, in particular, the poor, women and children who are the worst affected during such natural disasters”.

“SADC’s clarion call at this point is that the interim government, all political stakeholders, civil society and the nation at large put aside their political differences and firmly unite behind the victims of cyclone Giovanna.  It is your patriotic duty to provide the necessary assistance and human solidarity to all victims at this critical time”.

SADC furthermore hopes that out of this terrible disaster, the nation will pull together to rebuild the communities directly affected as well as to use this experience to start the process of healing the nation from its recent political challenges.

Enquiries:  Mr Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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