PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ON THE PASSING OF FORMER MINISTER ROELOF “PIK” BOTHA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences at the passing away of former Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs Mr Roelof “Pik” Botha.

Mr Botha, 86, passed away in Pretoria after an illness.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the family, friends and former colleagues of Mr Botha who served as Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs for two years under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela.

Prior to 1994 Mr Botha had served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for a period of 17 years – which still stands as a world record in the diplomatic community.

President Ramaphosa said Mr Botha would be remembered for his support for South Africa’s transition to democracy and for his service in the first democratic administration.

Statement issued by Khusela Diko, Spokesperson, The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, 12 October 2018