The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has offered condolences on the passing of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos

Former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos passed away, and Minister for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Dr. Naledi Pandor, has expressed her condolences.

At the age of 79, the former president passed away in Barcelona, Spain, on July 8.

The Minister praised his total commitment to the liberation war as one of the Frontline States’ leaders, as well as his crucial contribution to the fight against apartheid in South Africa, which resulted in majority rule and democracy.

Speaking on Tuesday at the 24th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ, Pandor was a member of the SADC Organization.

From 1979 to 2017, the late politician presided over Angola as president.

He was also a key SADC figure, chairing the organisation from 2002 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2012, respectively.

“He was uncompromising in his advocacy for regional integration, socioeconomic growth, and peace throughout his time as Chair.

Honorable Ministers and distinguished delegates, may I ask you to rise for a moment of silence in honour and memory of the late President José Eduardo dos Santos? Pandor stated.

The former statesman, according to the Angolan government, was committed from a young age, having played a significant role in the struggle against colonialism, the achievement of national independence, the consolidation of the Angolan Nation, and the conquest of peace as well as national reconstruction and reconciliation.