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Close Window The Nelson Mandela Foundation also payed tribute to Senator Kennedy:
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also payed tribute to Senator Kennedy: "He made his voice heard in the struggle against apartheid at a time when the freedom struggle was not widely supported in the West. We remain grateful for his role,"
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The Nelson Mandela Foundation also payed tribute to Senator Kennedy:
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also payed tribute to Senator Kennedy: "He made his voice heard in the struggle against apartheid at a time when the freedom struggle was not widely supported in the West. We remain grateful for his role,"

U.S. Mission to South Africa mourns the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

August 26, 2009

Pretoria -  The United States Mission in South Africa mourns the passing of one of the greatest and most effective American lawmakers in our history, Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.  Senator Kennedy served in the Congress for 46 years and was the last remaining brother of the internationally-known Kennedy family, which included President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy who were both assassinated in the 1960s.

 Senator Kennedy was a leader of the anti-apartheid movement in the U.S. Congress, visiting South Africa in January 1985 as a guest of Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Rev. Allan Boesak.  He met with Winnie Mandela, the South African cabinet, and debated constructive engagement with U.S. Ambassador Herman Nickel.  Later that year, he introduced legislation aimed at weakening the apartheid system.

Senator Kennedy died August 25 at age 77 after battling brain cancer.


The U.S. Mission in South Africa has established an electronic condolence book via the email:  PASPretoria@state.gov

President Obama released a statement early Wednesday, which reads in part:
"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.  For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts….  An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time."

For more information, please contact Embassy press officers:
 Sharon Hudson-Dean 079-111-8276
 Sean Newman  012-431-4054