Media Statement

07 August 2020

Minister Pandor saddened by the passing away of Ambassador Nkadimeng

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed sadness at the loss of Ambassador John Nkadimeng, who passed away on Thursday, 06 August 2020, at the age of 93.

One of democratic South Africa’s first group of diplomats, Ambassador Nkadimeng was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba in 1995.

A shop steward with the African Tobacco Workers’ Union in 1949, Ambassador Nkadimeng became General Secretary of the underground South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU) in 1983.

Ambassador Nkadimeng was detained during the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and was one of the 156 Congress activists charged with treason in the 1956 Treason Trial.

Ambassador Nkadineng was a recipient of the Order of Luthuli in Gold for “dedicating his entire adult life to the struggle for liberation, workers’ rights and for the formation of a united federation of trade unions.”

Minister Pandor said Ambassador Nkadimeng contributed immensely not only to the fight against apartheid, but also to the post-1994 government, laying the foundation for strong bonds of solidarity and cooperation between South Africa and Cuba.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Ambassador Nkadimeng”, said Minister Pandor.

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

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084