Press Release
14 March 2012
Humanitarian Mission led by Deputy Minister Fransman reaches out to the needy in Madagascar
The SADC humanitarian mission to Madagascar, led by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Marius Fransman, reached out to intended recipients in areas negatively affected by the recent cyclone and tropical storms in Madagascar.
Deputy Minister Fransman serves as the Chair of the SADC Organ Troika and President Jacob Zuma’s special envoy on Madagascar.
Upon his arrival in Madagascar on 13 March 2012, Deputy Minister Fransman, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, Mr Pierrot Rajao Narivelo, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania, Mr Mahadhi Juma Maalim, visited one of the areas most affected by the disaster caused by cyclone Giovanna and tropical storm Irina. The mission distributed rice, blankets and medicine as part of the humanitarian aid.
Deputy Minister Fransman used the occasion of his visit to Madagascar to call on all the political players to put the interest of the people first and work towards ending the political impasse in the country.
Today, 14 March 2012, Deputy Minister Fransman is scheduled to meet with legal experts from the European Union, United Nations, African Union and SADC to engage the Malagasy role players on the legal and amnesty issue as it remains a critical aspect in the implementation of the roadmap.
Deputy Minister Fransman has thanked the Al-Imdaad Foundation, a South African aid agency, Netcare and the Norwegian Government for participating in the humanitarian aid. In addition, Deputy Minister Fransman has, on behalf of SADC, expressed his heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones and the displaced.
For further information, please contact Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.
Issued by: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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