HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONVEYS CONDOLENCES TO PRESIDENT MBEKI OVER DEATH OF GOVAN MBEKI

30 August 2001


High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary-General of the World Conference against Racism Mary Robinson has conveyed her condolences to President Thabo Mbeki following the death of his father Govan Mbeki.

“Govan Mbeki’s death on the eve of the World Conference reminds us of his enormous contribution to the struggle against racism and oppression in South Africa”, Mrs. Robinson said. “His memory should make us redouble our efforts to achieve in Durban a breakthrough that will ensure a life of dignity, free of bigotry and intolerance, for people around the world”.

In honour of Govan Mbeki’s memory, the flags at the International Conference Centre in Durban, where the World Conference is being held, are being flown at half mast.