Pretoria: President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of all South Africans, has thanked the government and the people of the United Kingdom in general and the Westminster Abbey in particular, for the hosting of the distinguished memorial service for the late father of the nation, President Nelson Mandela.


The service will take place tomorrow, on Monday, 3 March 2014.

South Africa is humbled by this gesture which demonstrates yet again, the impact of Madiba in the world.


“This service demonstrates how this global icon that is Madiba touched many lives and hearts and was able to transcend geographical boundaries in spreading messages of peace, unity and the need for a better world,” said President Zuma in a statement on Sunday.


South Africa is to be represented by a high level delegation at the service, led by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and the Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane, and senior officials.


Madiba’s organisation the African National Congress (ANC), has sent the Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte to represent the movement at the memorial service. The service is also to be attended by members of the Mandela family.


South Africa will continue to work harder to preserve Madiba’s legacy and promote democracy, freedom, human rights and justice.

SOURCE: South African Official News