Pretoria (South Africa) 29 November 2019 (SPS)- The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, expressed on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, her condolences to the family of the late Ambassador of the Saharawi Republic to South Africa, Bachir Radhi, and to the government and people of the Saharawi Republic.
The Saharawi Ambassador to South Africa passed away last Wednesday afternoon following a short period of illness, and was burried in the cemetry of the Wilaya of Smara in the Saharawi refugee camps.
Following is the condolence letter sent by H.E. Dr. Naledi Pandor on the sad occasion and published on the official website of the South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation:
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Media Statement
29 November 2019
Minister Pandor sends message of condolences following the passing of the Saharawi Ambassador to South Africa
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has learnt with shock and sadness of the passing of His Excellency Mr. Radhi-Sghaiar Bachir, Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to the Republic of South Africa.
Ambassador Bachir passed away following a short illness on 27 November 2019 whilst in hospital in Spain. He had assumed his duties in South Africa in January 2017.
On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government and the people of South Africa, Minister Pandor expressed her heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Bachir’s family, friends, the Government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and the Sahrawi people.
Minister Pandor said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ambassador Bachir‘s family and the people of Western Sahara. I pray that they find solace, strength and courage as they mourn this loss.”
Minister Pandor added that: “Ambassador Bachir was a true champion of the cause of the people of Western Sahara. He actively engaged with all political parties, civil society, academia and friends of Western Sahara in his attempt to bring about the total emancipation of the people of Western Sahara. He will be sorely missed.”
Minister Pandor said the Government of South Africa will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Western Sahara in their quest for self-determination.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION."
090/500/60 (SPS)