Media Statement

08 December 2021

Minister Pandor sends condolences following the passing on of Ambassador Mabuza

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has sent a message of condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza, who passed away on 06 December 2021.

Ambassador Mabuza was born in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1938.

Mabuza joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1975 and became a journalist for the ANC’s Radio Freedom, based in Lusaka.

Ambassador Mabuza was a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, awarded to her for her excellent contribution to mobilising the use of arts and application of creativity for democracy, thereby displaying that cultural activism played a significant role in achieving democracy.

Ambassador Mabuza served as Chairperson of the ANC Cultural Committee from 1977 to 1979.

Ambassador Mabuza served as South Africa’s ambassador in Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

Recently, Ambassador Mabuza served on the Foreign Policy Review Panel chaired by Mr Aziz Pahad.

Minister Pandor said Ambassador Mabuza was an accomplished author and poet.

Minister Pandor added that: “South Africa has lost an illustrious freedom fighters, cultural activist and diplomat”.

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

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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