Annan: Sisulu loved everywhere

2003-05-06 23:46

New York - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan paid tribute on Tuesday to Walter Sisulu, a hero of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, saying his qualities made him known and loved around the world.

"The secretary general was saddened to learn of the death of Walter Sisulu," said Annan's spokesperson, Fred Eckhard.

Sisulu, a former secretary general of the African National Congress, died at his home in Johannesburg on Monday, two weeks before his 91st birthday.

In a statement, Annan noted that Sisulu was "a close friend and mentor of Nelson Mandela," the former South African president, and, like Mandela, "he was engaged in the struggle for multi-racial democracy for all his adult life".

Imprisoned for more than 25 years by the white minority government, "he was known and loved by people far beyond South Africa's borders for his humility, integrity, intellect and vision," the statement said.

Annan expressed his condolences to Sisulu's wife and lifelong partner in the struggle against apartheid, Albertina Sisulu, as well as to the government and the people of South Africa.

- AFX