Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 9June 2014

Condolence Message on the Death of the Mother of Former President Thabo Mbeki

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr.NkosazanaDlaminiZuma, has expressed her condolence to the Mbeki family following the death of Ma Epainette Mbeki,a South African liberation icon and mother of former President Thabo Mbeki.

Ma Epainette Mbeki died on Saturday, 7 June 2014 in East London, Eastern Cape in South Africa. She was 98.MaMbeki, as she was fondly called, was married to staunch ANC fighter Govan Mbeki, who spent 24 years onRobben Island with President Nelson Mandela. Former President Thabo Mbeki was one of four children.

On behalf of the African Union, the Chairperson expresses her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Mbeki family, and the people of South Africa.

Jacob Enoh Eben
Ag. Spokesperson of the Chairperson