Vice President Meriton sends message of condolence to South Africa | 17 July 2020

Vice President Vincent Meriton, in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, has sent a message of condolence to Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of Internal Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, following the passing of Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela, the youngest daughter of the late South African President Nelson Mandela and his second wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

“As the daughter of the anti-apartheid icons, Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela became involved in South Africa’s freedom struggle from a very early age. She will always be remembered for the iconic moment when she read out Nelson Mandela’s rejection of the then President PW Botha’s offer for conditional release at a public meeting.

“I can assure you that Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela has our respect and admiration for her contribution to the Apartheid struggle and she serves as an inspiration to all African women,” stated VP Meriton in his message.

The vice president concluded in offering his “deep and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of Ambassador Mandela and to the people of South Africa."

Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela, who found her own voice as an activist and poet, died in Johannesburg on Monday July 13. She was 59.

Her death, at a hospital, was announced by Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa. Ms. Mandela was serving as South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark at her death. She was home in Johannesburg awaiting her next posting to Liberia, the president said.

Press release from the department of foreign affairs