Mbeki: SA lost greatest son
2003-05-06 15:40
Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki said on Tuesday the death of African National Congress veteran Walter Sisulu had left South Africa without "one of our greatest sons and architects of our democratic order..."
Sisulu, 90, died at his Johannesburg home on Monday evening.
Mbeki arrived at the Sisulu home in Johannesburg's northern suburbs shortly before 13:00 on Tuesday with African National Congress spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama to pay his respects to the Sisulu family.
Addressing the media, the president said: "Walter Sisulu has been at the centre of freedom and democracy to change our country for the better.
"Our country has lost one of its greatest sons and we are enjoying the freedom today because Walter Sisulu played a very large part in that.
"This is a great loss for our people but what he would have liked us to say in a tribute to him is not to praise him but do the right thing and (let) our people, black and white, live in a happy and successful South Africa."
Mbeki said: "Because he was a very humble person not many people realised his... contributions to the South Africa we have at present. He was a giant among our people."
To the Sisulu family Mbeki said: "Our condolences go to Mama Albertina his wife, his children and his grandchildren."
He said: "I will as requested by our law place a request before cabinet because we need to say a farewell to Walter Sisulu in a state funeral and I am certain cabinet will agree.
"We will fly our flag in the country at half mask and work together with the Sisulu family for what we will do next."
Mbeki said the ANC felt "this loss in a very special way but we need to continue the traditions and teachings in the way Sisulu did.
"Those of us who had the advantage of working with him know his humility. He was a very kind and patient person," Mbeki said.
Former president Nelson Mandela, his ex-wife and president of the ANC Women's League, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Congress of South African Trade Unions president Willy Madisha and the union's general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi were among the many people who had been arriving since early Tuesday to pay their respects at the Sisulu home.
Send your tribute to Walter Sisulu to the editor.
- SAPA