Media Statement

04 July 2019

Minister Pandor sends condolences following the passing away of Ambassador Ginwala

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed her sadness at the recent passing away of the former ambassador, Dr Khorshed Ginwala. Dr Ginwala passed away on Friday, 28 June 2019, at the age of 90.

Posted to Rome from 1995 to 1999, the late Ambassador Ginwala was the first Ambassador of the post-apartheid South Africa to Rome and she was also accredited to Albania and San Marino.

Minister Pandor said the late Dr Ginwala was born in India in 1929 and came to South Africa as a child. She studied medicine in Dublin, Ireland. “Dr Ginwala was one of the pioneers in the fight for freedom in South Africa,” said Minister Pandor.

The Minister added that: “Within diplomatic circles, Dr Ginwala was also a torchbearer – one of democratic South Africa’s first women ambassadors. She represented our country with distinction and paved the way for next generations of women diplomats.”

Enquiries: Lunga Ngqengelele, ngqengelelel@dirco.gov.za, +27 82 566 0446

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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