Pretoria – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the death of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney at the age of 84.Mulroney was an esteemed member of South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, an award given to foreign heads of state and other dignitaries who have shown friendship to South Africa.
In a statement from the presidency, President Ramaphosa offered his “deep condolences to the government and people of Canada and especially Mr Mulroney’s family on the passing of a leader who holds a special place in South Africa’s history.”
“On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the government and people of Canada and especially Mr Mulroney’s family on the passing of a leader who holds a special place in South Africa’s history,” the statement read.
Brian Mulroney served as Canada’s 18th prime minister from 1984 to 1993 as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. He was well known for taking a strong stance against the apartheid regime in South Africa and imposing economic sanctions in 1986.
Mulroney developed a close relationship with Nelson Mandela, who called him “an inestimable ally in the anti-apartheid cause.” Mandela received honorary Canadian citizenship in 2001 when Mulroney awarded it to him.
President Ramaphosa said: “Prime Minister Mulroney led Canada during a critical decade in which our struggle for freedom culminated in the dismantling of apartheid.
“During his term, he spoke out against apartheid, advocated the economic isolation of the regime and took a stand when many in the international community were wavering.
“For us, his passing is made profound by the fact that we have lost this friend and ally in the year in which we are marking 30 years of freedom and in which we pay tribute to all those around the world who supported our struggle for freedom and democracy. May his soul rest in peace.”
On Freedom Day 2015 was bestowed with South Africa’s highest award granted to foreign nationals – the Companion of OR Tambo – for his critical role in ending apartheid through his leadership as Canadian PM.
Mulroney’s legacy in South African history and his passing has been met with sadness by President Ramaphosa and other leaders. His efforts to help dismantle apartheid will not be forgotten.
