Powell eulogises Sisulu

2003-05-07 08:25

Washington - US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Tuesday eulogised the late former African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Walter Sisulu as a champion of democracy and an "elder statesman" for racial equality.

"The United States joins the people and government of South Africa in mourning the passing (Monday) of Walter Sisulu," Powell said in a statement.

"Sisulu was the 'elder statesman' of the African National Congress and a lifelong leader in the struggle to end apartheid rule in South Africa," said Powell, the highest ranking African-American ever in US government.

"Sisulu's life was dedicated to the establishment of full democratic rule and equality for all South Africans, regardless of race or colour," he said.

"South Africa has lost a giant, but one whose goals for an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural nation was realised with the end of apartheid rule in 1994," Powell added.

Sisulu died on Monday, two weeks before his 91st birthday, after collapsing in the arms of his wife Albertina at their Johannesburg home after returning from a medical check-up.

He was a towering figure in the struggle for majority rule in South Africa - serving 26 years in prison alongside former South African president Nelson Mandela and other leading opponents of apartheid. - Sapa-AFP

- SAPA