[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

President Thabo Mbeki, who is in Uganda, when told of the death (Sunday, 16 August 2001) of Donald Woods, expressed his sincere regret and deepest condolences to the Woods family. He praised the courage that Woods had shown as an editor against apartheid.

In a recent letter delivered to Woods, the President, in thanking him for a copy of his book "Rainbow Nation Revisited", said it was very disturbing to hear of Woods's illness. But it was a cause of gratification that Woods had recently come to South Africa to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University. This event, "particularly taking place as it did on the campus in East London, where you were for many years a brave Editor, is an appropriate tribute to your life as a South African who sacrificed much to fight for decency and justice," the letter said.

The government and the ANC appreciated the courage that Woods, his wife Wendy and family had shown in standing up to the apartheid regime and in enduring the remarkable circumstances of their escape from tyranny. The letter added: "We also appreciate the back-up work that you have done in London and elsewhere in spreading the word about the South African democratic success".

Ends

Inquiries: Bheki Khumalo 083 256 0133

Issued by The Presidency, 20 August 2001